LEWISTON, IDAHO - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends adolescents receive the following vaccines: Tdap, Meningococcal, HPV, as well as an annual Influenza vaccination.
Recommended teen vaccinations protect against the following diseases:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis: A tetanus booster with a vaccine called Tdap which also protects against diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis (whooping cough) spreads through coughing and sneezing.
- Meningococcal disease is an invasive bacterial disease which causes swelling around the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be spread in crowded situations like schools, dorms and barracks, through sharing drinks, and kissing.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and genital warts. The three-dose HPV vaccine series protects against four types of HPV which are most commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. Current licensing only allows for vaccination of girls.
Adolescence is also a good time to catch up on other recommended vaccines that may have been missed such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and Polio.
North Central District Health Department offers regular immunization clinics in each of the counties it serves. Call your local Health District office to find the clinic schedule in your area or contact your healthcare provider.
One way to track student immunization records is Idaho’s Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS). IRIS is a statewide, confidential, secure, and voluntary immunization registry for people of all ages. IRIS makes immunization records readily retrievable in case an immunization record is lost or if a person changes healthcare providers.
For more information please call (208) 799-3100 or visit your local Health District website at idahopublichealth.com.