Immunization program focuses on teen vaccines

The Montana Immunization Program and its partners have launched a multi-year campaign called MT TeenVax that aims to remind parents about the importance of teen vaccines.

Bekki Wehner, the Department of Public Health and Human Services immunization program manager, said the MT TeenVax campaign will help highlight the importance of adolescent vaccines.

“Montana continues to improve coverage levels for adolescent vaccines, and we’re hoping this program will help us improve even more,” Wehner said.

To increase the department’s coverage, the campaign will provide resources and information to health-care workers, parents and teens.

Some of the vaccines that infants commonly get can wear off as kids get older, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And as kids grow up they may come in contact with different diseases than when they were babies.

An example of a recommended teen vaccination is the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), which protects people from infections and cancers caused by the virus.

Nearly 80 million people in the United States — or one in four —are currently infected with HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.

A new teen vaccine webpage highlights the details of vaccines, why they’re recommended and how to get them. The website includes links to frequently asked questions and other detailed information on vaccines.

The recommended vaccines for teens are tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), the human papillomavirus series and the start of the meningococcal (MCV4).

These vaccines are routinely administered at age 11 to 12 years and catch up for those age 13 and older who missed vaccinations.

Influenza, or the flu vaccine, is recommended every year.

“These vaccines are a safe and an effective way to help teens start a healthy adulthood,” Wehner said.

To help further increase awareness about vaccines, the program is also launching the MT TeenVax Challenge.

The challenge is in partnership with the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Montana Academy of Family Physicians and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Care Van program.

“Now is a great time to check your child’s immunization record and see if they have received all the recommended vaccines,” said Wehner.

“If you have questions about any of the vaccines, talk to your health-care provider.”

The challenge is an opportunity for parents or guardians of 11- to 17-year-olds to enter their teen’s name into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card if they have received at least one Tdap, one MCV4 and one HPV.

At least one gift card per county will be given away. Parents can enter by going to www.immunization.mt.gov. On the MT TeenVax page, look for the blue ‘Click Here’ icon. The deadline to enter is Dec. 2.

For more information about adolescent vaccines and the challenge, go to www.immunization.mt.gov.