County targets preteens for vaccine checks
One of the best ways to keep your middle school-age child healthy is with a visit to the doctor at age 11 or 12 to make sure he or she is up-to-date on immunizations that protect against serious diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough) and H1N1 influenza.
These and other diseases are still present in San Diego. As of Dec. 16, there have been 137 cases of pertussis reported to the county health department — more than twice the number of 2008.
Preteens need to have their immunization records checked to see if they are missing important vaccinations. Immunity from some vaccines decreases over time, so preteens need a booster dose to stay protected. Also, preteens are at greater risk of catching diseases such as meningitis, and are at risk of serious complications if they get H1N1 flu.
- Preteen Vaccine Checklist
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Meningococcal
- Regular seasonal flu (annually)
- H1N1 (swine) flu
- HPV (one brand is licensed for use in boys as well as girls)
- Varicella (chickenpox) second dose
Preteen Vaccine Week
- When: Jan. 17-23
- Why: A statewide promotion of the preteen doctor visit and preteen immunizations.
- Questions: (619) 692-8661 or www.sdiz.org. Go to the Community section and click on ‘Pre-Teens and Adolescents.’
On the Web
- www.GetImmunizedCA.org: State of CA Department of Public Health. Enter ‘Preteen Vaccines’ in the search box.
- www.cdc.gov: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enter ‘Preteen Vaccines’ in the search box.
- www.VacunasyMiSalud.org: Para información en español
— From the San Diego Immunization Coalition