Oconto County Public Health reminds parents that summer is a great time to get their children and teens immunized. Public health recommends these immunizations for preteens and teens: hepatitis A, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal (meningitis).
Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by a virus. It is usually spread by consuming contaminated food or water. Two shots will be needed, six months apart, to be fully protected.
HPV is a vaccine for boys and girls that protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer, penile cancer and genital warts. HPV is most common in people in their teens and early 20s. Three shots will be needed, over a period of time, to be fully protected.
Meningitis a serious infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that can cause death. It is recommended that adolescents receive two doses of meningococcal vaccine: dose one at 11-12 years and dose two at 16 or older. If a child is over 12 and hasn’t received the first dose, it is OK to administer the first dose to the child at age 12.
To make an appointment for an immunization, call the health department at 920-834-7000 or talk to a health care provider.
