Shots for Teens: Recent Advances in Immunizations for Adolescents - part two
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 second of two articles, we focus on the a new vaccine, Menactra (registered trademark) which has been developed to prevent the major cause of bacterial meningitis. The new vaccine will prevent illness, disability and death in adolescents, as well as indirectly protecting others in the community.
Vaccination Against Meningocococcus
Menactra protects against the bacteria meningococcus, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adolescents. Meningitis is a very serious infection around the brain and spinal cord. Like pertussis (discussed in the first article), meningitis peaks in two groups: in infants and in adolescents. Although rare, meningococcal infection is fatal in up to 20% of infected adolescents. Even among survivors, there is a high risk of permanent disability, including loss of limbs, scarring of skin, neurologic disabilities and deafness.
The new vaccine will help reduce the cases of death and serious disability caused by meningococcal infection in adolescents. As with the new pertussis vaccines, we predict that use of Menactra in adolescents will decrease the carriage of meningococcus in the community, thus benefiting children of all ages.
Menactra is recommended for the following groups:
Children 11-12 years old
Children entering High School or at age 15
Young adults who live, or will live, in college dormitories
Other groups who are at high risk for meningococcal disease, including travelers to some destinations, military recruits, people with immune system defects, and those exposed to meningococcal outbreaks.
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 familiy 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 the clinic in 2005.