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Adolescent Immunization

Many people think that immunizations are just for babies. But, in reality, there are many people between the ages of 11-18 who are at risk of getting serious diseases including measles, tetanus, hepatitis B, hepatitis A and chickenpox. Protecting your health is a lifelong job. Getting immunized is one way to be protected now. Talk to your healthcare provider about what immunizations you may need.

Fast Facts on Adolescent Immunizations

  • High rates of hepatitis A infection occur among children and adolescents 5 to 14 years old who live in some parts of the United States, and most cases can be attributed to person-to-person transmission.
  • The majority of new cases of hepatitis B reported each year strike adolescents and young adults. The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
  • Hepatitis B can be spread by sharing needles or razors; through intimate contact; and by tattooing or body piercing with unsterile equipment. But, nearly one-third of teens become infected without knowing how they got the disease.
  • Adolescents and adults are considered reservoirs for pertussis. A single dose of the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended at 11-18 years of age. A tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine is recommended every ten years thereafter.

For more information, visit the following links under Adolescent Immunization.