Ensuring Adolescent Health: The Importance of Vaccination
By [Your Name], Health Writer
The Current State of Adolescent Vaccinations
Too many American children and teenagers are not receiving their full list of vaccines, according to Dr. H. Cody Meissner, a renowned expert in pediatric infectious diseases.
One major concern highlighted by Dr. Meissner is the low rates of HPV vaccination among adolescents. Despite some progress, the vaccination rates are still discouragingly low, leaving many at risk of HPV-associated cancers.
Furthermore, the CDC reports a significant gap in HPV vaccination rates between adolescents in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, indicating a need for targeted efforts to improve access and education.
The Impact of Measles and Influenza
Dr. Meissner also raises alarm over the resurgence of measles outbreaks in areas with low vaccination rates. The availability of the MMR vaccine is crucial in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
In addition to measles, the low uptake of annual flu vaccines poses a significant public health concern. Despite the evolving nature of flu strains, vaccination remains a key preventive measure for reducing the severity and spread of influenza.
2019 Updates on Vaccines for Children and Adolescents
Dr. Meissner emphasizes the importance of Hepatitis A vaccination, especially for infants traveling abroad and individuals facing homelessness. The expanded vaccine recommendations reflect the changing landscape of infectious diseases.
- Hepatitis A: Babies aged 6 to 11 months should now receive the vaccine for international travel.
- Flu and egg allergy: The CDC reassures that flu vaccines are safe for individuals with egg allergies, with minimal risk of adverse reactions.
- Meningococcus: Adolescents should receive meningococcal vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis.
- Booster injections: In case of disease outbreaks, booster shots may be necessary to maintain immunity levels.
Expanding the Conversation on Adolescent Vaccination
While vaccines play a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases, addressing barriers to vaccination uptake remains a challenge. Issues related to misinformation, access, and trust in healthcare providers can hinder vaccination efforts.
It is essential for parents, adolescents, and healthcare providers to collaborate in promoting vaccination awareness and ensuring protection against preventable diseases.
By staying informed and actively participating in vaccination initiatives, individuals can contribute to safeguarding their health and the well-being of their communities.
Summary
In conclusion, adolescent vaccination is a critical aspect of public health that requires ongoing attention and advocacy. By addressing the gaps in vaccination coverage and promoting access to essential vaccines, we can reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and protect the health of future generations.
It is vital for individuals to stay updated on vaccine recommendations and engage in proactive healthcare practices to ensure optimal protection against infectious diseases.
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Too many American children and teenagers You are not getting your full list of vaccinessays H. Cody Meissner, MD, director of pediatric infectious diseases at Tufts Medical Center and professor of pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine. Lack of information, sociodemographic disparities, and distrust in science may be reasons.
He HPV (The human papillomavirus vaccine) is an example of this. “HPV vaccination “Rates have risen a few percentage points in the past year, but they are still discouragingly low,” Meissner says. “There are about 31,000 cases of HPV-associated cancers in men and women each year in the US. The current HPV vaccine protects against 90% of those infections.”
Meissner reminds parents that the HPV vaccine consists of a series of three inoculations, but “if the first dose is given before the age of 15, a teenager only needs two doses,” he says. “If the first dose is given after age 15, three doses are needed.”
The CDC says that in 2017, only 48.6% of all American adolescents were up to date with the HPV vaccine series, compared to 43.4% in 2016. One continuing trend is how the first dose of the HPV remains lower among adolescents living in non-metropolitan areas, at 59.3%, compared to adolescents living in cities, at 70.1%.
Meissner also worries that parents will skip the MMR vaccine (measlesmumps, rubella) vaccine. “We are seeing outbreaks of measles in areas of the country where people do not vaccinate their children,” she says. “It’s disturbing and unfortunate, because we had defeated measles. Now it’s coming back. People don’t understand that measles measles The virus is still present. You will find susceptible people and measles can kill. “The CDC reports that in the first two months of 2019 we have already had as many measles cases as we had in all of 2018. Rates are definitely increasing.”
the flu is another concern. Only half of all Americans, and only about a third of teenagers, receive an annual education. flu vaccine. Various strains of flu can circulate among the population each flu season, and these strains often change from year to year.
Scientists cannot yet produce a universal flu vaccine that is highly effective against all strains. But don’t use that as a reason not to vaccinate your teen, yourself, or other family members, Meissner says. “Even if it’s only 30% effective, that’s 30% better than nothing,” she says. “Experience indicates that a breakthrough infection that occurs after vaccination is likely to be less severe in a vaccinated person than among people who were not vaccinated at all.”
In addition to an annual flu vaccine For everyone, young and old, Meissner shares the following 2019 updates on vaccines for children and adolescents.
- Hepatitis A: The CDC now recommends that babies ages 6 to 11 months be vaccinated if they travel abroad. Additionally, increasingly, homelessness makes hepatitis A more likely due to unsanitary living conditions where there are no clean conditions. water It may not always be available.
- flu and egg allergy: Meissner says the CDC has clarified that egg allergy is no longer considered a reason to avoid the flu vaccine. The amount of egg protein in the vaccine is so low that a allergic reaction It is extremely unlikely.
- Meningococcus: All children ages 11 to 12 should receive a meningococcal conjugate injection (MenACWY). A booster vaccine is recommended at age 16. Adolescents ages 16 to 18 can receive a meningococcus serogroup B (MenB) vaccine.
- Booster injections: If there is a group outbreak of measles, mumps, or meningococcal disease in your city, state, or college campus, Meissner recommends talking to your health care provider, who should consult with the state health department to determine if booster shots are needed.
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