Shots for Teens: Recent Advances in Immunizations for Adolescents - part one
When most people think of childhood immunizations, we think of vaccines for pre-school children. But recent advances in immunizations have put the spotlight on adolescents aged 11 and older.
The advances in adolescent health remind us of the importance of the routine health maintenance visit (also called “Well Child Check-up”) for adolescents. These routine visits are often overlooked in adolescents and teenagers, although they are recommended at least every two years.
In the first of two articles, we focus on the new combination of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines. This vaccine is produced by two different companies as Boostrix and Adacel (both registered trademarks). It will protect teenagers against prolonged respiratory infection caused by pertussis. The new vaccines will prevent illness, disability and death in adolescents, as well as indirectly protecting others in the community.
Vaccination against Pertussis
Pertussis (also known as “whooping cough”) is a respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordatell pertussis. Infection is easily spread through cough and close contact. Pertussis initialy causes a runny nose and cough, the same symptoms as the common cold; but with pertussis, the cough can last for 3 weeks or longer. Teenagers are less likely to get the characteristic “whoop” heard in younger children.
In the past, pertussis mainly affected toddlers. Then in the 1940’s after pertussis vaccination began, childhood pertussis decreased dramatically. However, since the 1980’s, we have seen pertussis cases rise in a new age group - adolescents. Until recently, a child’s last pertussis faccine was given at 4-6 years of age. We now believe that immunity wanes as early as 7 years after this booster. As a result, teenagers are again susceptible to pertussis infection.
When the rate of pertussis cases rises among adolescents, it also increases among young infants. Infants are at the higest risk of complications from pertussis, including pneumonia, respiratory difficulties, and even death. Although immunization against pertussis begins at 2 months of age, young infants are not fully immune to pertussis. With eradication of pertussis from the teenage population, other high risk groups, including infants, will also be at a decreased risk for the disease.
Boostrix or Adacel is recommended for all children at age 11-12 years; it will replace the tetanus booster shot that has traditionally been given at this age. The new vaccine should not be given within 5 years of any previous tetanus booster.
The Importance of Health Maintenance Visits in Adolescents
In addition to ensuring that your child’s immunizations are up to date, your child’s physician will screen for various medical conditions and counsel your child on issues that he or she may encounter as your adolescent prepares to enter adulthood. Immunizations are just one of the many ways that pediatricians and family doctors strive to keep children healthy and safe.
Julie Wilkerson, M.D. is a pediatrician with a busy practice at Granger Medical Clinic. She joined us in 2005.