Let’s face it – nobody likes getting shots – but a shot lasts a second; diseases last much longer. In an effort to protect every adult and child, the Georgia Department of Public Health established Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, observed March 13-19, 2016, to serve as a reminder for parents to talk with their preteens and teens about getting immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Vaccines are the best way to protect our teens against some serious diseases,” said Glynn County Health Department Administrator, Karen Mikell, R.N. “Immunizations also help reduce school absences and decrease the spread of illness in our community.”
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Rule (511-2-2), all students born on or after January 1, 2002, entering or transferring into seventh grade and any “new entrant” into eighth -12th grades in Georgia need proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) AND an adolescent meningococcal vaccination.
“Our preteens are branching out. They go to overnight camps, attend parties and play sports – they are becoming increasingly social. While these are all fun parts of being a teenager, they can also increase their risk for contracting potentially life-threatening diseases,” said Sheila Lovett, director for the Georgia Department of Public Health Immunization Program. “Let’s protect our children by vaccinating them when they are most vulnerable to exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The CDC currently recommends the following vaccines for preteens and teens:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)
- Influenza (flu)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – three doses
- Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY)
For more information on vaccines for all ages call the Glynn County Health Department at 912-264-3961 or click HERE.
