This fall is a good time for parents to learn about vaccines recommended for their children and adolescents

- While some adolescent vaccination rates have increased over the past several years, the numbers still remain low for other vaccines. With summer over, many parents are busy preparing their children, preteens and teens for school. Fall appointments with a child’s health care professional can be a good time to discuss vaccines recommended for children and adolescents by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some vaccines may require more than one dose, and getting every recommended dose of a vaccine can help provide children and adolescents with the best protection possible. Teens may need to catch-up on vaccines they missed, or may need a booster of other vaccines they received when they were younger.

There are four vaccines that the CDC recommends specifically for preteens and teens.

 “While many parents had their children vaccinated as infants, it's important that they are also diligent to have them vaccinated now that they are older,” said Dr. Jaime Fergie, director of Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. “Parents should take the time now before schedules get busy to talk with their child’s health care professional to get more information about vaccines recommended for their children.”

 For more information on recommended vaccination schedules for children and adolescents, visit the CDC’s website.