Teens/Adolescents
Vaccines Are Not Just for Babies
Unity recently released the results of a national survey of parents of teens, teens, and healthcare providers underscoring that misperceptions about preventive health and vaccines may contribute to under-vaccination of teens. While a vast majority of parents and teens believe it is important for all teens to be vaccinated, in reality teen vaccination rates are lower than they should be…
World Hepatitis Day: Are Your Teens Protected?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus. There are several types of hepatitis viruses but in the US, the most common types are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Millions are living with viral hepatitis but most do not know they are infected. People can live with chronic hepatitis for decades without having symptoms. Two vaccines are currently available to help prevent viral hepatitis in adolescents…
Measles in Minnesota: 2017 Update
The 2017 Minnesota measles outbreak, with 78 cases, is now the largest measles outbreak in the state in the past 3 decades. There have been more measles cases in the Minneapolis area in 7 weeks than the entire US in 2016. It seems impossible that a vaccine-preventable disease is making a comeback here in the US, in Europe, and around the world…
Excellence in Vaccine Communication
Thoughtful, evidence-based communication is important when talking to the public, the media, and other healthcare professionals, as there is an abundance of misinformation and myths about vaccines. Here are 5 tips for effectively communicating the benefits of timely vaccination…
#ShotOfScience: A Brief History of Vaccine Accomplishments
The history of the smallpox vaccine is just the beginning of the story of how vaccines have transformed global public health. Indeed, vaccines are among the most significant achievements in public health. Between 1924-2013, childhood vaccinations prevented more than 100 million cases of serious disease.
5 Ways to Advance Antimicrobial Stewardship in 2017
Significant increases in worldwide antimicrobial resistance has created an urgent need for the appropriate use and management of antibiotic prescribing. During 2017, take these 5 steps to help advance antimicrobial stewardship…
Why On-Time Vaccination Is So Important
As a mother, I’m certainly thinking about all the things I can do to keep my family safe and healthy for the upcoming school year. As a pediatrician, I also know that this is the perfect time of year to remind parents that on-time vaccination is the best way to protect infants, young children, and teens against 16 serious and potentially deadly diseases.
Protect Your Preteens Today from HPV-Related Cancers Tomorrow
As an adolescent medicine specialist, I’m faced with the daily challenge of guiding my patients through their adolescent years in a safe, healthy way. Sadly, there is much beyond my control, but the administration of immunizations is a very straight forward way of protecting them from diseases which I know will have a significant impact on their health. A perfect example of a vaccine that is extremely beneficial to patients in my practice is the HPV vaccine.
The Perfect Time for On-Time Vaccination
Parents agree that car seats, handwashing, and bike helmets are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for immunizations.
The New Safety Question: “Is Your Child Vaccinated?”
With more parents delaying vaccination, this mom realized there is a safety risk when her children play with other kids whose vaccination status is unknown