As they get older, preteens and teens are at increased risk for some infections. Plus, the protections provided by some of their childhood vaccines begins to wear off. There are four vaccines recommended for all preteens at ages 11 to 12.
- Meningococcal vaccine- prevents against four types of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious disease that can cause infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood (septicemia).
- HPV vaccine- protects against types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. HPV can cause future cancers of the cervix and vagina in women and cancers of the penis in men. HPV can also cause cancers of the back of the throat, anal cancer and genital warts in men and women. If your son or daughter hasn’t started or finished the HPV vaccine series yet, it’s not too late!
- Tdap vaccine- protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
- Influenza (flu) vaccine- because even healthy kids can get the flu. All kids and parents should get vaccinated to protect themselves from the flu.
