Vaccination a must for youth health care
July 5, 2007
Immunisation in adolescents is as important as it is in infants. Even those belonging to elite families are not aware about the preventive aspects of health care in adolescent age groups. When one thinks about health care in this age group one considers only about behavioural, psychological and sexual problems of teenagers. Their immunisation needs have remained ignored.
A rubella infection can strike a pregnant young woman and severely affect her unborn child and an attack of mumps can lead to orchitis, causing infertility in males. Immunisations against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria and chickenpox are available for all adolescents. In addition, vaccinations against hepatitis A, influenza (flu), pneumococcal and meningococcal disease are needed by some adolescents.
However, vaccination among youth has not caught the fancy of all those concerned. Even in the US the adherence rate to recommended immunisations is 24 per cent for adolescents, compared with 60 per cent for children. In endemic zones like India, typhoid vaccines should also be given.
Should all adolescents be immunised?
Yes. All adolescents require measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria immunisations. All adolescents with diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disorders need protection against influenza and pneumococcal disease, and should consult their doctors regarding their need for these injections. Chickenpox vaccine is recommended for those not previously vaccinated and who have no history of the disease. The Hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for all adolescents aged 8-18 years who have not been vaccinated. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for adolescents travelling to or working in countries where the disease is common, and for those living in communities with outbreaks of the disease, and those living in areas that have hepatitis A.
It is also recommended for adolescents who have chronic liver disease or clotting-factor disorders.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is generally administered in three doses. Adolescents not previously vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine require these. Immunisation against tetanus and diphtheria (Td vaccine) should be supplemented with a booster shot at 11-12 years of age and every 10 years thereafter. One dose of the chickenpox vaccine is recommended for adolescents 11-12 years of age, or two doses for those 13 or older, if there is no proof of prior chickenpox disease or immunisation.
The flu shot should be administered yearly to the adolescents who have any medical condition that places them at high risk for complications associated with influenza, such as diabetes, asthma, or chronic heart, lung, or other diseases. Immunisation against pneumococcal disease is recommended for adolescents with certain chronic diseases who are at an increased risk for this disease or its complications, and a booster dose is recommended five years after the initial dose for this group. The Hepatitis A vaccine is administered in two doses. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also advised in youngsters.
Should adults also consider immunisation?
Some adults think immunisation is just for kids and adolescents, or are unaware that adult vaccines also exist. Each year lakhs of people are hospitalised because of influenza. Influenza vaccination is readily available and must be repeated each year. Anyone 50 or older, or having a chronic illness or immuno-suppression, has a greater risk for severe complications. Vaccination against pneumococcal infection is also necessary every five years in the same age group.
Booster doses of tetanus and diphtheria are needed at 10-year intervals throughout a persons life. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease that we must immunise against. Anyone 50 and all women of childbearing age need to be safeguarded against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Adults have a far greater risk of complications from chickenpox; they must be vaccinated against.
Remember, vaccination is the most cost-effective mode of health care.
