If your child is between the ages of 11 and 13, it might be time to think about booster shots or vaccines, such as Tdap and the Meningococcal (Meningitis) vaccine. Schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss what they recommend for your child.
What are booster shots?
Booster shots are vaccines that build on the protection from vaccines given to children at birth and young ages. Even if your child got the initial vaccine, they will need another to keep them protected. Vaccines protect not just the person vaccinated, but all those they come in contact with.
The vaccines recommended for ages 11 to 13 are Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis) and the Meningococcal (Meningitis) vaccine.
These vaccines prevent:
- Tetanus, or lockjaw
- Diphtheria, an infection of the nose and throat that vaccines have nearly wiped out
- Acellular Pertussis, also known as whooping cough
- Meningitis, a dangerous infection that can cause the lining of the brain to swell
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are generally safe. Despite what you may have heard, they do not cause autism or any disease on the autism spectrum. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control.
About the Tdap vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects against multiple diseases. It is as important to get as a teen as when your child was an infant.
Tetanus can be devastating at any age, so regular vaccination is important.
People most vulnerable to pertussis, or whooping cough, are babies, the elderly and anyone who hasn’t gotten the vaccine. Whooping cough is not common in Minnesota. However, infections have been increasing in places where people aren’t getting vaccinated.
Pertussis can be very serious, and even deadly, for newborns. To protect infants in your home or neighborhood, it’s important to get the vaccine.
Pertussis is also a reportable disease. If a doctor diagnoses your child with whooping cough, they will notify the Minnesota Department of Health.
About the meningococcal vaccine and meningitis
Meningitis is very infectious and easily spread. It’s dangerous, can cause brain damage and can be deadly. Meningococcal bacteria can also cause infection in the bloodstream or pneumonia.
Meningitis symptoms include fever and a headache. It can be confused with the flu, so it’s best to have the protection of vaccination from this dangerous disease.
The Minnesota Department of Health reported six cases of meningitis in 2015 compared to twelve in 2013. One of those cases resulted in death.
Other things to discuss with your doctor
Children age 13 or older can get vaccinated for the chicken pox virus if they haven’t been vaccinated yet and haven’t had the chicken pox.
Another vaccine you may want to consider is the HPV vaccine. Talk to your doctor or learn more about the HPV vaccine.
Preventive appointments for your adolescent also provide a chance for you and your doctor to discuss concerns. You can ask about risky behavior, bullying and tobacco use or other matters important to you.
More about preventive care
Preventive care for kids ages 6-12
Preventing cervical cancer
Preventive care for newborns and young kids
COVID-19 Resources