Adult Immunization - Disease Prevention & Epidemiology - Cerro Gordo Department of Public Health

Disease Prevention

Adolescent Immunizations

Parents - you make sure your infants receive life-saving immunizations, but what about your adolescents? Are their immunizations up-to-date?

Public Health officials in Iowa recommend the adolescent immunization schedule provided by the Centrs for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That schedule shows needed vaccines for those ages 7-18. Some physicians may vary this schedule to meet your child's needs. Read more to learn exactly what these vaccines protect your children from.

Adolescents need the following immunizations:

Meningococcal Vaccine -- to protect them from meningococcal, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections

Tdap vaccine – to protect your child from The Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine (Tdap) can protect adolescents and adults from these three serious diseases. This vaccine is recommended for anyone age 11 and older. This is now recommended instead of the older tetanus booster shot.

Human Papillomavirus - HPV (Gardasil) is for females between the ages of 9 and 26. HPV infection is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection in the U.S. It can cause cervical cancer and other diseases in females. It can be prevented by having the Gardasil vaccine.
Flu Vaccine - to protect your child from influenza. This vaccine is needed every year.

How much do vaccines cost?

Your child may be eligible for free vaccines. If you are not sure if your child is covered under the Vaccine for Children program, or you would like to make an appointment, call the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health at (641) 421-9321.

Make sure your adolescent’s vaccines are up to date. Vaccines are available at
Public Health. Contact us today for more information.

Childhood immunizations

Adult immunizations