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Teen (Adolescent) Immunization Frequently Asked Questions What shots do teens need? When should teens get these shots? Where should teens get these shots? Why are shots important for teens? Are shots required to attend school in Oregon? Who says teens need shots? What other preventive health services does a teen need? Where can I get more information? What Shots Do Teens Need?
When Should Teens Get These Shots? An adolescent health care visit is recommended at age 11-12. All of the shots an adolescent needs should be started at that visit. However, there is no need to wait. Children can get many of the recommended shots before age 11 if they are seeing their provider for another reason.Where Should Teens Go To Get These Shots? Teens should go to their regular doctor, nurse, or clinic. If you or your parents have health insurance, it may pay for all the shots recommended for you. Also, many Oregon teens can receive low cost or free shots through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). If you do not have a doctor, call 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638) or 503-306-5858 in the Portland metropolitan area to get information on where to get free or low-cost vaccines through your local health department.Why Are Shots Important For Teens? Teens need shots to stay healthy. The diseases these shots protect against are not something a person outgrows. In fact, diseases like tetanus and hepatitis B mostly affect adults. And some diseases, like chickenpox, are more dangerous for teens and adults than they are for small children. Shots are an investment in a teen's future.Are Shots Required To Attend School in Oregon? Yes. As of school year 2000/2001, students starting 7th grade will need proof of additional shots or a religious or medical exemption to stay in school. The new shots that students will need for school include the hepatitis B series, a second dose of a measles-containing vaccine (like MMR), and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Many teens will have had chickenpox disease as children, so they will not need chickenpox shots. Instead, parents will need to sign a statement verifying their child had the disease.All of the major medical associations agree that teens need shots to stay healthy. Some of the shots recommended for all teens are also part of our school law in Oregon. All of the shots that a teen needs can be started at an adolescent health visit when a child is 11 or 12 years old. This is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the U.S. Public Health Service's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). What Other Preventive Health Services Does A Teen Need? The adolescent health visit may include a wide variety of health education, screening, and physical assessment services. Discussion topics might include diet/nutrition, exercise, injury prevention, depression, and risk behaviors, as well as immunization. Services will vary depending on a teen's specific needs.Where Can I Get More Information? Call your local health department or your regular doctor, nurse, or clinic or call 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638), in the metro-Portland tri-county area, call 503-306-5858. |
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