Public health officials encourage preteen, teen vaccinations

ALBANY — The message Southwest Public Health District officials are attempting to get across to the public is that, while the sting of a shot may last a second or two, diseases last much longer.

Officials said Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, March 12-16, is meant to remind parents to talk with preteens and teens about getting immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Preteens are at an age where they have new and booster vaccine recommendations,” Health District Immunization Coordinator Rebecca Snow said. “Preteen vaccinations should begin at the age of 11, according to recommendations from the (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Parents should make it a priority to vaccinate their preteen against preventable diseases.”

Officials said Georgia Department of Public Health Rule 511-2-2 states that students are required to have proof of vaccinations protecting them against meningitis and pertussis, also known as whooping cough, if they meet the following criteria:

— All students born on or after Jan. 1, 2002;

— Students entering or transferring into seventh grade;

— Any “new entrant” in Georgia going into eighth-12th grades.

The law affects all public and private schools including, but not limited to, charter schools, community schools, juvenile court schools and other alternative school settings. Home-schooled students are an exception.

Snow said many vaccine-preventable diseases can be serious, even deadly, and that vaccines can help avoid expensive therapies and hospitalizations needed to treat infectious diseases like influenza and meningitis. She said immunizations also reduce absences both at school and after-school activities and decrease the spread of illness at home, school and the community.

In addition, the CDC currently recommends the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine for preteens and teens. Officials said the HPV vaccine is meant to be effective in preventing certain cancers as well as venereal warts.

“Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness through schools, health care providers and the media regarding preteen immunizations, particularly Georgia’s pertussis and meningococcal requirements for incoming seventh-grade students,” Snow said. “Speak with your physician or local health department today to find out if your preteen is up-to-date.”

For more information about preteen and teen immunizations, individuals can contact their county health department or their health care provider.

Jennifer Parks