 |
Important Immunizations for Adolescents |
|
|
 |
By Robin Drucker, M.D.
Many parents think of infants and young children when they hear the word "immunization." However, there are two immunizations that are important for adolescents as well: pertussis (whooping cough) and meningitis.
Pertussis is an increasing health problem among adolescents and young adults. It causes a prolonged cough, otherwise known as "the cough lasting 100 days," and causes students to miss a lot of school and after-school activities. The condition is due to the waning effects of the infant/toddler pertussis vaccines, or DTaP, which kids receive up until 5 years of age. It has taken time to deliver a safe vaccine to older kids.
|
 |
|
|
Additional Articles |
|
|
Recommended Web Sites
|
|
|
|
|
UV Safety Month: July
www.aao.org
July is UV Safety Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reminds people of the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. According to the AAO, one of the greatest threats to your eyes is invisible and the scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to invisible ultraviolet radiation can damage your eyes and lead to vision loss. Like your skin, your eyes never recover from UV exposure. Everyone is at risk—even children. Visit the AAO Web site to learn more about steps you can take to protect your eyes from the sun.
Eye Injury Prevention Month: August
www.preventblindness.org
Whether at home, at play, or in the car–everyday activities that usually happen without a hitch can result in serious eye injuries and permanent vision loss. Nearly 2.5 million people suffer eye injuries each year in the United States—thousands of them children—and nearly one million people have lost some degree of vision as a result. In adults, most of these injuries could have been prevented with protective eyewear. Understanding the dangers, finding and removing hazards, and watching your child closely can help prevent eye injuries in children. For more information on simple steps you can take to help prevent eye injury to your child, visit the Prevent Blindness America Web site.
Immunization Awareness Month: August
www.cdc.gov
August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month—a good time to remind family, friends, co-workers and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, you can protect yourself, your family, your friends and your community from serious, life-threatening infections. Most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life because children are particularly vulnerable to infection. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. To learn more about the benefits of immunization, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site.
|
|
|
|
| Featured Physicians |
|
Maria S. Sepetka, M.D.
is a physician at PAMF’s Los Altos Center. Dr. Sepetka received her M.D. degree from Komensky University in Czechoslovakia in 1979. She completed her residency at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Francisco, and at Stanford University Medical Center and Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. She is board certified in pediatrics.
Kevin Chen, M.D.
is a physician at PAMF’s Redwood City Center. Dr. Chen received his M.D. degree from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine in 1998. He completed his residency at San Jose Medical Center, where he was chief resident. He is board certified in family medicine.
Register for
PAMFOnline
"Your Direct Connection
to
Personalized Health
Care"
|
|
|
