Don't Wait ? Vaccinate Your Preteen This Summer

Summertime is busy for families as kids are out of school and involved in activities such as camp, sports and time with friends.

However, the beginning of summer is a great time for parents to make an appointment to get their children vaccinated and beat the back-to-school rush.

Vaccines help protect preteens, as well as their friends and family members, from serious illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that boys and girls should get the following vaccines at the age of 11 or 12:

HPV Vaccine Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect against HPV infections that cause cancer. All boys and girls should get two doses of HPV vaccine before they turn 13 years old. Children who start the vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three doses to get complete protection.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine ? Protects against four types of meningitis bacteria which can cause infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and bloodstream infections (septicemia). Teens should get a booster dose at 16 years old.

Tdap vaccine ? Provides a booster to continue protection from childhood against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Parents should check with their family doctor to make sure that their preteen is up-to-date on all needed vaccines. They may need to "catch up" on any missed vaccines.

Preteens and teens should also get a flu vaccine every year, by the end of October if possible. It is very important for preteens and teens with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes to get the flu shot, but the flu can be serious for even healthy kids.

If a teen hasn't received one or more of these vaccines, make an appointment for them to get caught up today.

Some preteens and teens may faint after getting a shot or any other medical procedure. Sitting or lying down while getting shots and staying that way for about 15 minutes after the shots can help prevent fainting. Most side effects from vaccines are very minor ? such as redness or soreness in the arm ? especially compared with the serious diseases that these vaccines prevent.

Vaccines are available for all ages through the Marion County Public Health Department's district health offices. ACTION Health Center provides immunizations and other health services to children and young adults from birth up to age 26.

To learn about times and locations, please call the health department's immunization program at (317) 221-2122, or ACTION Health Center at (317) 221-3400. Information is also available at MarionHealth.org.

Free Diabetes Self-Management Classes

ABCs of Diabetes is a free, four-part series of diabetes self-management classes offered by the Marion County Public Health Department.

Instruction is given on medications, nutrition, exercise, monitoring, complications and available community resources. Class members will participate in individual consultations with a registered dietitian, registered nurse and a health educator.

Classes will be offered in June at the Southport Branch Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Road, on Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and at the College Avenue Branch Library, 4180 N. College Ave., on Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

ABCs of Diabetes is a free program, but advanced registration is required. Please call (317) 221-2094 or visit MarionHealth.org/diabetes.