CDC’s Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign
April 24, 2008 - When people think of the importance of vaccines, they usually think of infants and young children. But, vaccines aren’t just for these groups. As children enter their teen years, they also need protection from many diseases.
In August of 2007, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NCIRD/CDC) launched the pre-teen vaccine campaign in response to three new vaccines for pre-teens that have been licensed since 2005: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis), MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate), and HPV (human papillomavirus). These vaccines protect against serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough, meningitis, and cervical cancer.
The CDC recommends that all 11 and 12 year olds receive the Tdap and MCV4 vaccines. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all 11 and 12 year old girls. Older adolescents may also receive the vaccines if they did not get them as pre-teens. These recommendations are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Society for Adolescent Medicine.
Schools can become partners in this campaign by providing up-to-date information about the new vaccines and sending messages to parents about the importance of getting pre-teens vaccinated and having medical check-ups.
Although the CDC and several medical organizations consider administering the HPV vaccine as an effective measure to ensure the future health of girls by preventing certain forms of cervical cancer, there has been some controversy related to it because some caregivers see it as a gateway to premature sex. Nevertheless, getting the HPV vaccine is a personal choice and it can be taken or not depending on a caregiver’s opinion. It is important that schools relay the discretionary nature of such vaccines in their messages.
The CDC's pre-teen vaccine webpage shows several ways schools can participate in the campaign including posting a pre-teen vaccine banner ad or integrating pre-teen vaccine messages into ongoing events.
To learn more about the campaign and ways to get involved, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm.
Source: "The CDC Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign Fact Sheet for Partners," CDC.