This post was sponsored by Unity Consortium as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Vaccinations for Teens

Well, it’s Back To School time, and that also means the kids need to go in for their annual check-up. This time around they both are in need of VACCINATIONS. My teens are not happy about the shots, but it is necessary to make sure we are up to date on their vaccinations. To be honest, I didn’t know they needed shots until the doctor emailed me a reminder. I’m a big believer in better to be safe than sorry, and that goes with my kid’s health too! Getting annual checkups and vaccinations for teens are a critical part of preventive health, plus it shows kids how important good health habits is to them.

Now I agree that majority of parents and teens believe it is important for all teens to be vaccinated but do they actually get them done. Before the doctor visit I sat down with my kids and we discussed the shots that were needed and why! It is very important and to include your teen in their health upkeep. I don’t want them getting the shots just because MOM said so but because they believe it is needed for them in the long run. Parents this is one of the best investments you can make to your teens’ long-term health.

MOM LOVE AFTER SHOTS

DID YOU KNOW?

• Approximately 1 in 4 parents and teens believe that vaccines are more important for babies and not as important for teens
• More than one-third of teens (34%) don’t know how being vaccinated helps them
• Four in 10 parents (41%) believe their teen should only see a doctor when he/she feels sick, reducing opportunities to discuss preventive health measures, such as vaccines
• While most teens (92%) trust their doctor when seeking information about their health, nearly half of all teens (47%) agree they do not like talking to doctors or other healthcare providers.

Recommended Vaccinations For Teens:

• Meningococcal-includes two distinct meningococcal disease vaccines (ACWY and B). Teens are an increased risk for Meningococcal because it spreads from person to person, mainly by kissing or coughing.  Kissing and coughing are two things teens do! Teens are dating, and yes kissing happens (I’m just honest) and there is a whole lot of coughing going down at school. This is very serious and can quickly attack the body.  So protecting my teen with the vaccination is a no brainer for me.
• Tdap-tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (a whooping cough) and Td Booster (tetanus and diphtheria). Those shots the kids got when they were babies well they have worn off by teenage years, so it’s just time to get them done again. They still need to be protected!
• HPV-human papillomavirus. Protect your child from most cancers caused by the HPV infection.  The HPV infection is spread by sexual contact, and we all know some teens have sex, so we need to protect them just in case. Get them protected before they are exposed to the infection!
• Flu. Flu season hits the schools hard! So as a parent I feel I need to protect them every year so yes we get the flu shot by the end of October.

I want to share this Unity Consortium Survey infographic with our readers that address the challenges surrounding adolescent and young adult health, with a goal of ensuring 9 in 10 are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases.

If you need more information (Highly Recommend) about this survey and the importance of vaccinations for teens please visit Unity4TeenVax.org

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