August marks National Immunization Awareness Month — and with back-to-school season in full swing across North Texas, it’s the perfect time to review your teen’s vaccination status. Two vaccines in particular are recommended during the adolescent years and become especially important before students head into crowded classrooms, locker rooms, and college dormitories: the HPV vaccine and the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine.
At Ovation OB/GYN in Frisco, Texas, vaccine guidance is a regular and important part of our well-woman visits, particularly for adolescent and young adult patients. Here’s what parents and young women should know heading into the new school year.
The HPV Vaccine: What It Is and Why It Matters
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States — so common that the CDC estimates nearly all sexually active adults will contract at least one strain at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections clear on their own without causing any problems. But certain high-risk strains are directly responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, as well as vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against nine strains of the virus, including the two strains most strongly associated with cervical cancer (HPV 16 and 18) and the two most associated with genital warts (HPV 6 and 11). The vaccine is most effective when given before any potential exposure to the virus — which is why it’s recommended at ages 11 to 12, before most adolescents become sexually active. It can be given as young as age 9 and is recommended through age 26 for anyone who wasn’t vaccinated earlier.
For adults ages 27 to 45, the vaccine may still be beneficial depending on individual circumstances and risk factors — this is a conversation worth having at your next well-woman visit. The vaccine is given as a series: two doses for those who start before age 15, and three doses for those who start at 15 or older. If your daughter has started but not completed the series, finishing it is important — partial vaccination still provides meaningful but incomplete protection.
HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening
It’s important to understand that the HPV vaccine does not replace cervical cancer screening. Even vaccinated women should continue to receive Pap smears on the recommended schedule — every three years starting at age 21, or every five years with combined Pap and HPV co-testing starting at age 30. Our gynecology team at Ovation OB/GYN can walk you and your daughter through her current screening schedule and vaccine status at her well-woman visit.
“Kind, friendly staff. Able to fit in a procedure on a consult visit, even though it was the end of the day on a holiday week. Quick follow up with lab results and next steps. “
— Ovation OB/GYN Patient Testimonial
The Meningococcal Vaccine: Understanding the Risk
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to bacterial meningitis — a life-threatening infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord — as well as septicemia (blood poisoning). While relatively rare, meningococcal disease is notorious for how quickly it can become fatal: a person can go from appearing healthy to critically ill within 24 to 48 hours.
Adolescents and young adults are at elevated risk for meningococcal disease, in part because of behaviors common to that age group — close contact in crowded settings, sharing drinks or utensils, living in dormitories. College freshmen living in residence halls are at particularly elevated risk and are often required to show proof of vaccination before moving in.
Which Meningococcal Vaccine Does Your Teen Need?
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines currently available, and they protect against different strains of the bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine (brand names Menactra and Menveo) protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. It is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 with a booster at age 16. If your teenager hasn’t received either dose, catching up before the school year starts is a priority.
The MenB vaccine (brand names Bexsero and Trumenba) protects against serogroup B, which is responsible for a significant proportion of cases in adolescents and college students. The MenB vaccine is not part of the routine childhood schedule but is recommended for adolescents ages 16 to 23 based on shared clinical decision-making between provider and patient. College students who will be living in dorms are among those who should strongly consider it.
Other Back-to-School Vaccine Reminders
While HPV and meningococcal vaccines are among the most important adolescent-specific immunizations, a back-to-school checkup is also a good time to confirm your teen is current on the Tdap booster, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. An annual flu shot is also recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older — August or September is an ideal time to get it, before flu season begins to circulate.
Not sure which vaccines your daughter has received? Texas maintains ImmTrac2, a statewide immunization registry where records can be accessed. Bringing up-to-date vaccine records to her next well-woman appointment at Ovation OB/GYN makes it easy for us to identify any gaps and get her caught up before the school year picks up full steam.
“Dr. Bradley is the best! She’s knowledgeable; always takes time to explain things to us; doesn’t make us feel rushed; is wise & careful, but realistic; easy to talk to; great bedside manner; always allows us to ask as many questions as we need. “
— Ovation OB/GYN Patient Testimonial
Schedule a Well-Woman Visit at Ovation OB/GYN
Whether your daughter is due for her first well-woman exam, needs to complete a vaccine series, or simply has questions about her gynecological health, our board-certified team at Ovation OB/GYN is here to provide compassionate, personalized care. We provide gynecological care for adolescent and adult patients throughout the Frisco and North Texas area.
Request an appointment in Frisco, TX or call us at 972.777.3232.