Professional Resources
Adolescent immunization rates lag far behind childhood rates. As a result, adolescents are left needlessly exposed to serious diseases that can cause immediate and irreparable harm, such as meningococcal disease, and infections like hepatitis B and HPV that can lead to long-term health crises including certain cancers.
One of the prime opportunities to vaccinate and provide counsel about the importance of immunization occurs during regular wellness visits, but adolescents don’t make these visits as often as they should. It is therefore critical to take every opportunity, including visits outside of the routine check-up (e.g., for illness or sports physicals) to open the dialogue with parents and guardians about immunization.
Professional Resources
Resources
Adolescent Immunization Backgrounder
Background information on the US adolescent immunization program status and the need to improve adolescent immunization rates
Adolescent Immunization Initiative: Rationale for an Immunization Platform at 16 Years of Age
Adolescent Immunization Initiative (AII) white paper focused on immunization of older adolescents (February 2017)
Adolescent Vaccination: Protecting Adolescents Now and Into the Future (2011)
Call to Action on practical strategies for improving adolescent vaccination rates
Adolescents Can Be Protected from 14 Deadly Diseases
NFID infographic highlighting the importance of protecting adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Abbreviations for Vaccines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC Immunization Recommendations for Adolescents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Survey on College Students & Flu
National survey conducted by Harris Poll suggests a combination of education, access, and incentives may help increase flu vaccination on college campuses
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Summary of current vaccines recommended to protect adolescents against serious infectious diseases
Keys to Storing and Handling Your Vaccine Supply
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Video covering vaccine storage and handling best practices, errors, and how to prevent them. CE credit available until 4/17/16.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases live professional development
NFID Journal-Based Continuing Education
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases journal-based professional development published in Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice
NFID Online Continuing Education
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases online professional development (including complimentary webinars)
Professional Tools & Resources
Tools and resources designed to help healthcare professionals implement key strategies for improving adolescent vaccination rates and educating adolescents and their parents/guardians about the importance of vaccination.
Recommendations for Institutional Prematriculation Immunizations
American College Health Association (ACHA)