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Immunization - Not Just For Babies!

Many Utah adolescents are not fully vaccinated. Therefore, they may be at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases such as chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, or whooping cough. Vaccines for these diseases have been available for many years and are recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Certain vaccines are required for students entering middle school. Beginning 2006, 7th grade students must have proof of receiving the following immunizations:

3 Hepatitis B
1 Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (Tdap) booster (Td booster may be given instead)
1 dose Varicella (chickenpox)
- Documentation of the chickenpox disease will be accepted as proof of immunity; parent/guardian must sign the verification statement on the school immunization record.

To ensure that teens are adequately immunized, the Utah Immunization Program, along with school nurses and school administrators, are participating in an immunization project called "Vaccinate Before You Graduate." This project is designed to get teens caught up on their shots before getting a job, going to college, or before going on a mission by scheduling immunization clinics at middle and high schools throughout the year. Schools will post/announce the clinics as soon as dates become available. Look for "Vaccionate Before You Graduate" posters, brochures, and other literature in participating schools.

Our goal is to ensure that all our youth are fully protected against vaccine preventable diseases while they are still in school. your health insurance plans may cover the cost of these vaccines. Low-cost or no-cost vaccines are avaiilable for qualififed teens through the "Vaccinate Before You Graduate" project.

For more information about adolescent immunizations or "Vaccinate Before You Graduate," please contact your school nurse or the Utah Immunization Hotline at 1-800-275-0659.