Preteen Immunizations

What are the guidelines for preteen immunizations? Aetna’s internal research shows that parents who receive reminder notices and follow up phone calls from their health plan are statistically more likely to have their teens vaccinated compared with a control group that did not receive proactive outreach. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most teens and preteens have not had all of the recommended vaccinations. None of the target vaccination goals established in the Healthy People 2010 report for this age group are currently being met.

“Even as the health care reform discussion continues, there are steps we can take right now to improve our own health care,” said Lonny Reisman, MD, chief medical officer at Aetna. “One such step is to follow through on evidence-based recommendations for vaccinations. Parents should discuss their child’s immunizations at each doctor’s visit, including yearly checkups and physical exams required for school or sports programs.” Reisman recommends keeping track of immunizations in an electronic personal health record. “A personal health record helps you and your physician keep your family’s immunizations on schedule. It is particularly helpful if you move or change doctors as it can prevent your child from getting duplicate vaccinations.”

To improve preteen vaccination rates, Aetna sends plan members caring for children ages eleven and twelve information on vaccinations. The reminder notices are available in English and Spanish and include an immunization schedule listing vaccines children need before age thirteen and a list of credible resources members can consult for more information.

Vaccines recommended for 11- and 12- year-olds

Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap)
Protects against: tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria and whooping cough
1 shot — between ages 11 and 12 years old

Meningococcal (MCV4)
Protects against meningitis
1 shot — between ages 11 and 12 years old

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Protects against cervical cancer (for females only)
3 shots — first shot between ages 11 and 12 years old;
second shot 2 months after the first shot; and the third shot 6 months after the first shot

Varicella (chicken pox)
Protects against chicken pox
1 additional shot
(Second shot is recommended for anyone who previously received only one dose)

Seasonal influenza vaccine
Protects against the seasonal flu
One shot (or nasal spray) each flu season

Special note: H1N1 influenza vaccine
This year, persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years are among the priority groups recommended for protection against H1N1 (swine) flu. It is currently not known whether one or two doses of the vaccine will be needed.

Based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as of 4/30/09.