First week of March designated ‘Preteen Vaccine Week’
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the California Department of Public Health has designated the first week of March as "Preteen Vaccine Week."
Public health officials say they are focused on protecting kids 11 and 12 years of age from infectious diseases by making sure they stay current with their vaccines.
Health officials say preteens need vaccines against whooping cough (Tdap), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and meningitis (MenACWY), when they are 11-12 years old.
Incoming 7th graders also need to provide proof of receiving the whooping cough shot and two doses of chickenpox vaccine before they can start school. Additional meningitis vaccines are recommended when teens are 16 years old.
Parents are urged to talk to a doctor about the vaccines that are recommended for their children.
Most health plans are required to cover CDC-recommended vaccines for all ages without charging a deductible or copayment, according to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
Children who do not have insurance may also receive the necessary vaccines for free. Parents should contact their health care provider or local health department for information about the Vaccines for Children Program. The program provides free vaccines to eligible kids.Â