Information about Teenage vaccines: Recommended vaccines and the diseases they prevent

Information about Teenage vaccines: Recommended vaccines and the diseases they prevent

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV is a common virus, and can be sexually transmitted.  It is most common in people in their teens and early 20s, and is a major cause of cervical cancer.  The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of the virus that cause genital warts and cervical changes that can lead to cancer.  The vaccine, originally recommended for girls, is now recommended for both girls and boys; the vaccine should be given before a teen or young adult becomes sexually active.  The HPV vaccine is given as a three dose series, and can be started as young as 11-12 years old.

Meningococcal disease (a common cause of bacterial meningitis) – Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.  It can cause death, and it is a bacteria commonly seen in outbreaks of meningitis on college campuses.  Meningococcal bloodstream infections can also occur, and can cause loss of an arm or leg and even death.  The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against these infections, and it is given as a two dose series.  The first dose is recommended at 11-12 years old, with a second dose at 15-17 years old.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection with a prolonged cough that can last for several months.  It is very serious and can cause worse infections in young infants.  The pertussis vaccine is given together with a tetanus shot; the combination is commonly referred to as the Tdap vaccine.   Children should receive a single dose of Tdap at age 11-12.