Shots for Teens
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: June 3, 2010
With a student going into kindergarten, most parents know shots are required before they can start class. But 5 year olds aren't the only young patients who need to head to the doctor before school begins. Pre-teens need vaccination for tetanus and pertussis.
Freeman Pediatrician Dr. Beth Woolery said, "They may not get very sick from pertussis - but those they come into contact with such as infants or older adults such as grandparents could become very ill. Also making sure they're chicken pox vaccinations have been updated, hepatitis A, Gardasil and also importantly that meningitis vaccine."
It's also important to take care of any physicals your little athlete may need ahead of time.
Added Woolery, "Make sure your child is getting their sports physicals before football and track season - what ever sports they're in so they're not showing up the first day of practice and not being allowed to play."
And don't forget to prepare for any medical emergencies that could take place during the school day. Woolery said, "Also if your child is on any medication, make sure that those have been refilled for schools and there's medication available at the school, especially for an asthmatic or diabetic - those things can be very important.
Freeman Pediatrician Dr. Beth Woolery said, "They may not get very sick from pertussis - but those they come into contact with such as infants or older adults such as grandparents could become very ill. Also making sure they're chicken pox vaccinations have been updated, hepatitis A, Gardasil and also importantly that meningitis vaccine."
It's also important to take care of any physicals your little athlete may need ahead of time.
Added Woolery, "Make sure your child is getting their sports physicals before football and track season - what ever sports they're in so they're not showing up the first day of practice and not being allowed to play."
And don't forget to prepare for any medical emergencies that could take place during the school day. Woolery said, "Also if your child is on any medication, make sure that those have been refilled for schools and there's medication available at the school, especially for an asthmatic or diabetic - those things can be very important.
