Understanding that there was just one more shot likely made going to the Pediatrician less scary for most of these kids.
Of course, that there was just one more shot was never really totally true, after all, there was always that yearly flu shot.
And now, the approval of several new shots, Menactra, Gardasil, and Tdap, and the recommendation for a chickenpox booster shot, may have many kids dreading going to the Pediatrician again.
On the other hand, most parents will welcome the chance to protect their kids against pertussis (whooping cough), cervical cancer, and meningococcal disease, which can cause life-threatening infections, including meningitis and blood infections.
Menactra
Menactra is a conjugate vaccine that protects children from several strains of meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis and meningococcemia (a blood infection). In fact, the meningococcal bacteria is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children.Although not well known, many parents are aware of the tragic consequences of these infections, which can be fatal in about 10 to 15% of cases. And kids who survive often have long-term disabilities, including hearing loss, neurological problems (seizures, strokes), and the possible loss of fingers, toes, or limbs.
After a peak in young infants, children again become at risk for infection as teens and young adults.
Although approved for use in adolescents and adults from 11 to 55 years of age, it will at first only be given to children who are 11 to 12 years old, teens entering high school (15 years old), and selected college students, including college freshman who are living in a dorm. It can also be given to other people who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease and other teens who want to decrease their risk of getting meningococcal meningitis or meningococcemia.
Learn more about menactra.
Tdap
Boostrix and Adacel are newer Tdap vaccines that combine vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria with a booster dose of an acellular pertussis vaccine. Although these vaccines offers more protection to kids, it doesn't mean an extra shot. Instead, older kids will just get this new Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, plus acellular pertussis) vaccine instead of the previous Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster which they would typically have gotten when they were 11 or 12 years old anyway.Since pertussis or whooping cough is on the rise in teenagers and adults, a new booster vaccine is welcome news.
Gardasil
Gardasil is a vaccine that has been approved by the FDA to prevent cervical cancer in females between the ages of 9 to 26 years of age. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that Gardasil be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years of age.Chicken Pox Booster Shots
To help further decrease chicken pox infections, including mild, breakthrough infections, the ACIP is now recommending that children get a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine. This booster dose is now routinely given when kids are four to six years old. Older kids, including teenagers, can get their chicken pox booster shot at their next checkup if they have never had chicken pox.Other New Vaccines
In addition to Menactra, Gardasil, and the Tdap vaccines, some other vaccines that have recently been approved, including:- Proquad, a new vaccine that combines MMR and Varivax into one shot
- Rotateq, a new rotavirus vaccine, but it is only given to infants, so won't be given to your teen
- Zostavax, a zoster (shingles) vaccine for older adults
Other Possible New Vaccines
Other vaccines that are pending FDA licensure and which might be available soon, include:- Cervarix, another HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
