Vaccinations urged for preteens

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed this week Preteen Vaccine Week to highlight the importance of immunizations and regular doctor visits for 11 and 12year-olds.

"California's youth are our greatest asset and protecting their health is our responsibility," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, public health director and county health officer. "Parents are urged to schedule a wellness checkup with their child's doctor to make sure immunizations are up to date."

It is recommended that all 11and 12-year-olds receive a TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster to protect against whooping cough and a meningococcal vaccination. Meningococcal infection can rapidly progress to meningitis, pneumonia and even death. In infected teens, the disease is fatal in about 10 percent, and it will cause longterm disability in another 15 percent.

A vaccine against human papillomavirus, which can help protect against cervical disease and cancer later in life, is available for girls.

For more information, visit www.lapublichealth.org.