Pre-Teens And Teens Need Their Shots

It’s not just those kindergartners who need to get vaccines as the school year gets underway.

Preteens and teenagers also have an increased risk for particular infections.

CHI Memorial hospital is urging parents to get those youngsters in for their shots or boosters because some childhood vaccines wear off after a awhile.

The T-Dap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, which can be serious.

But other vaccines are just as important.

PETER RAWLINGS, M.D. FAAP , CHI Memorial Pediatric Diagnostic Associates.  “The other shot that is suggested, and actually required by some states, such as Georgia, is the meningococcal vaccine, which I think is very important because meningococcal meningitis can be devastating ..very deadly.”

Doctors are also recommending the HPV vaccine, which works to fight some cancers.

This is National Immunization Awareness Month.