Get Your Pre-teen’s Shots on Schedule

The Basics All kids need the Tdap, MCV4, and HPV shots at age 11 or 12. They also need an MCV4 booster shot at age 16. Doctors recommend that pre-teens ages 11 and 12 get important shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations). All pre-teens need:<ul ><li>A Tdap booster shot: This shot protects against tetanus (“TET-nes”), diphtheria (“dif-THEER-ee-ah”), and whooping cough (pertussis).</li><li>An MCV4 shot: This shot protects pre-teens against types of meningococcal disease, including meningitis (“men-in-JY-tis”). Meningitis is a very serious infection of the tissue around the brain and spinal cord.</li><li>3 HPV shots: These shots protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and genital warts and anal cancer in women and men. </li><li>A flu shot every year: The flu vaccine is the best way to <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=18">protect against the flu</a>.</li></ul>Tdap and MCV4 are each given as a single shot when your child visits the doctor at age 11 or 12. The 3 HPV shots are given over a 6-month period starting at age 11 or 12. Your child will also need an MCV4 booster shot at age 16.Why does my child need these shots? Shots can prevent serious diseases. For example, meningitis can cause the loss of an arm or leg or even death. Meningitis and whooping cough can spread easily from person to person.As kids grow older, some of the childhood vaccines begin to wear off. That’s why it’s important to get another Tdap “booster” shot. Also, pre-teens are at greater risk for more diseases as they get older, like meningitis and HPV.Check out these Web sites to learn more about vaccines for pre-teens:<ul><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/vaccines/mcv.html" >MCV4</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/vaccines/tdap.html" >Tdap</a></li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine.html" >HPV</a></li></ul>It’s important for all children and pre-teens to get shots. The germs that cause serious childhood diseases are still around. Each person who isn’t vaccinated gives those germs a chance to spread to other people.Are there any side effects from these shots? Side effects from shots are usually mild and only last a short time. Many children have no side effects at all.Vaccines are tested for years before they are put in use. The risk of harm from shots is very small.

Take Action! Call the doctor’s office and ask if your pre-teen is up to date on his shots. Make sure your pre-teen gets important shots.Schedule a checkup for your pre-teen. The Tdap, MCV4, and HPV vaccines are given during your child’s yearly checkup at age 11 or 12. If your child didn’t get these shots at age 11 or 12, make an appointment to get them now.Many states require the Tdap and MCV4 shots for school.What about cost? The <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers recommended shots for kids. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your pre-teen’s shots at no cost to you.Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.If you don’t have health insurance, your pre-teen can still get important shots.<ul ><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/parents/qa-detailed.html" > Find out if your child qualifies for free shots</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html" >Call your state health department</a> to find a free or low-cost vaccination program.</li><li><a href="http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx" >Find a health center near you</a> to learn more.</li></ul>Talk to your child about the HPV vaccine. HPV is spread through sexual activity. It’s the most common STD (sexually transmitted disease) in the United States.Some parents feel uncomfortable talking to their children about STDs. If your child is young, you may want to say that the HPV shots prevent cancer.To start a conversation with your pre-teen, try asking what your child already knows about HPV or the HPV vaccine. If you’d like more help talking to your child, <a href="http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=53">take this list of questions for the doctor about HPV shots</a> to your child’s next appointment.Tell the doctor about bad reactions. Serious side effects after getting a vaccine – like a severe allergic reaction – are very rare. If your child or another family member has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccine in the past, tell the doctor before your child gets a shot.When your child gets a vaccine, pay extra attention to your child for a few days afterwards. If you see something that worries you, call your child’s doctor.

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li>Make an appointment for your pre-teen to get her shots.</li><li><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine.html">Get the facts about the HPV vaccine</a>.</li><li>Ask the doctor for a print-out of your child’s shots.</li></ul>