Posted in 
Previous: 
: 
Unsolicited Advice
Sign In >>
Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
FAST FACTS
Immunizations IV: The Tween/Teen Years
OK. So we've now reached the tween/teen years (where 11 appears to be a good age to describe when this period begins). And while there are 2 new immunizations that occur during this age range, a third vaccine not to be overlooked is the one covering tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria (similar in coverage to the DTaP given in the first few years). In the U.S., depending upon which vaccine used (as there are two available), it may be given either at age 10 or 11. And for all parents and adults reading this, at one point, this vaccine should be given instead of the routine tetanus booster secondary to the wave of adult cases of whooping cough these past few years. But as far as the other 2 vaccine preventable illnesses I first mentioned, here we go:
Meningococcal disease: The story often associated with this illness involves a college student living in the dorms (or a military recruit living in close quarters with other recruits) who becomes infected with the bacteria (Neisseria meningitides) and causes either a serious bloodstream disease or meningitis or both...often leading to limb loss, neurological deficits, or even death. When the bloodstream is involved, a rash that includes little red spots scattered through out the body or purplish/reddish skin discoloration will occur. And as with any meningitis, presentation is often with fever, vomiting, headache, and neck stiffness but the greatest concern is because things may move so rapidly, death may follow (in up to 10-15% of those who become infected) in just 24-48 hours. One reason for wanting to get this vaccine during the tween/teen years is it is highly communicable (i.e. easily transmitted) among close contacts. Dorms, military bases, summer camp lodging are among the locales where easy spread of this disease may occur among non-immunized individuals. Furthermore, those with spleen issues and certain immune system disorders also need to be protected from this disease. And one thing about the vaccine (in fact, there are actually two vaccines but one is primarily used in the U.S. as it appears to have longer-lasting protection) is anyone with a prior history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS-a progressively worsening nervous system disorder) should not receive it. Although no causal association has been shown, the decision has been based on the concern of a temporal relationship of GBS after administration of the vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Although many different types of the virus exist, HPV Types 16 & 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases and Types 6 & 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases. This virus is transmitted by genital sexual contact and many infected persons do not realize they are infected or have transmitted the virus to someone else. And although it is very uncommon, genital HPV can also be transmitted to a newborn during delivery...where warts can ultimately develop in the throat of the child. And how common is HPV? Well, these days about 20 million individuals in the U.S. are infected and estimates include 11,000 U.S. women were diagnosed with cervical cancer just last year. So yes, this is a sexually transmitted disease and, of course, not engaging in sexual contact is the surest way of avoiding this virus and any unfortunate disease outcomes. However, one has to be very careful in assuming adolescents will always avoid risky behaviors. Consequently, a 3 dose vaccine now exists to cover the HPV Types mentioned above...6, 11, 16, and 18. Think of it as the first cancer preventing vaccine we have...a remarkable thing indeed. As far as any concerning adverse events, after 20 million doses of the vaccine, there is no evidence indicating an increased incidence of GBS above what we would expect to see in the general population. What we do see, however, is the occasional fainter...which is a reason why a tween/teen should sit or lay down a few minutes after the vaccine administration before leaving the office. And yes, studies are currently underway to determine if adolescent males can receive the vaccine as well.
Well, that about covers it...at least for the pediatric/adolescent population. Any questions or further concerns about any of the vaccine preventable diseases I've discussed over the past few weeks, I'd enjoy hearing from you.
Dr. Jeremy
CATEGORIES:
Answers
CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITIES:
Adoption
•
Breastfeeding
•
Cervical Cancer
•
Family Issues
•
Gay Parenting
•
Grandparents Raising Children
•
Immunizations
•
Military Families
•
Parenting 'Tweens (9-12)
•
Parenting Big Kids (5-8)
•
Parenting Newborns & Infants (0-1)
•
Parenting Preschoolers (3-5)
•
Parenting Teenagers (12-18)
•
Parenting Toddlers (1-3)
•
Pregnancy
•
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Female
•
Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Male
•
Single Dads
•
Single Parenting
•
Twins, Triplets & More
Displaying comments 1-1 of 21
Got a Question?
anti aging cream