Is It Time Your Teen Had a Checkup?

Photo of three teenage girls Between music lessons, sports practices, and babysitting, your teen probably has a lot going on. An important event that could be missing from the calendar, however, is your teen’s yearly checkup.

Even healthy teenagers need regular checkups to help keep them that way. During a checkup, the doctor will review your child’s growth and development and screen your teen for any physical, social, or emotional problems. Checkups can uncover health concerns—and help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Keep Shots Up-to-Date

Your adolescent’s annual exam also is a great time to catch up on all the necessary vaccinations. Vaccines can prevent or help protect against infections and diseases and are important for safeguarding your child’s health.

Between ages 13 and 18, your teen should have:

The second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, if not given earlier
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap), if not given by age 12
Pneumococcal for teens with diabetes; asthma; sickle cell; heart, lung, or kidney diseases; or other serious conditions
The chickenpox vaccination, if not given earlier—children who have not been infected with chickenpox need a two-dose series to be protected
Influenza vaccine recommended for all teens yearly
Meningococcal
HPV vaccine three-dose series

Check whether your doctor recommends any other vaccines that will bring your teen up-to-date on his or her vaccinations.

Get the Most from Your Visit

Make the most of your teen’s time with the doctor by being prepared and getting involved:

Write down any questions you have for the doctor, and bring them with you.
Bring a list of any medicines your teen takes.
Remind the doctor about any allergies your child has.
Don’t be shy. Tell the doctor about any concerns you may have, such as behavioral problems.
This is a good time for your teen to take charge of his or her own health. Excusing yourself from the exam room gives your teen freedom to discuss sensitive issues with the doctor.

Keep Your Hands Bacteria-Free

Shaking hands, opening doors, using a computer mouse—your digits do many things throughout the day, which makes them magnets for germs that can cause colds or stomach ills.

November through May is when these germs are at their troublemaking peak. So get in the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water several times a day.

When washing, rub your hands together and scrub all areas of your hands for 15 to 20 seconds. If it’s not convenient to wash, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help kill germs on your mitts. Hand wipes or gels are available in most drugstores.

Vaccines for Teens

To learn more about the vaccines teens need, click here and search for “teen immunizations.”


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