2006 will likely be a big year for newly available generic drugs. The following are some popular drugs on the market today that will probably become generically available this year.

Shots don’t just apply to babies, seniors, and flu and pneumonia season — teens need immunizations, too.

Vaccines protect people from certain diseases, help avoid the spread of infection and help protect the health of those in the community who can’t get immunized.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following immunizations for teens:

• Varicella (chickenpox): Teens ages 13 and older who haven’t had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine should get two doses four to eight weeks apart.
• Hepatitis B: Teens younger than age 18 who didn’t get this shot as babies should be immunized with three doses of the vaccine.
• Measles-mumps-rubella: If teens have not received the second dose, or if you’re unsure whether they have, they should receive this vaccine by age 11 or 12.
• Tetanus-diphtheria booster: Although most kids receive this shot by age 6, teens also need a booster dose. Teens should get this booster every 10 years, starting at age 11 or 12.
• Meningococcal: College students, especially freshmen living in campus dormitories, should consider getting a single dose of this vaccine.

For more information, visit the National Immunization Program Web site at www.cdc.gov/nip.