Both types of flu shot have been studied carefully and are safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including all the influenza vaccinations available annually (as with each year the prevalence of different strains change). The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA). Talk to your doctor about which one is best for your child. Children, preteens and teens with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should NOT get the nasal spray vaccine and instead get the injectable (shot).
FAQ Category: Adolescent Vax Questions
Is the HPV vaccine expensive?
Most insurance companies cover the HPV vaccine. Ask your doctor about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.
Is the flu shot expensive?
The flu shot is very affordable. Most insurances pay for the vaccine without a co-pay. Ask your doctor about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.
Does the HPV vaccine cause serious health problems?
No. There are many myths about the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccines have been and continue to be studied very carefully, with no serious safety concerns noted. The link to the brochure below lists some of the studies, and has links to that information. Since the vaccine was approved in 2006, more than 80 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been administered. The most common side effect reported was pain and swelling at the shot location in the arm, fever, dizziness and nausea. These are the same side effects reported for most vaccines.
Why does my son or daughter need the Tdap vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Babies and toddlers receive a similar vaccine, but the protection wears off as children get older. Pre-teens and teens need a booster to protect them from serious illnesses. Tetanus is a very serious and painful toxin that can cause hospitalization or even death. Diphtheria can cause paralysis, heart failure or death. Pertussis or whooping cough spreads very easily and can be deadly for babies or elderly people. In Ohio, the Tdap vaccine is required for entry into the 7th Grade.
Is the Tdap vaccine expensive?
Most insurance companies cover the Tdap vaccine. Ask your doctor about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.
Is the Tdap vaccine safe?
The Tdap vaccine has been studied very carefully and is safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Tdap vaccination. The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA). The vaccine can cause mild side effects like redness and soreness in the arm where the shot was given.
Why does my son or daughter need the meningococcal vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine helps protect against a bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease. The infections are rare but can be very dangerous. 10-15 people out of 100 with meningococcal disease die. The meningococcal vaccine is the best way to protect teens and pre-teens from getting meningococcal disease. In Ohio, the meningococcal vaccine is required for entry into the 7th and 12th grades.
Why are there two different meningococcal vaccines (Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B)?
The Meningococcal ACWY immunization protects against four groups of bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that commonly cause disease. The Meningococcal B vaccine protects against the B group of bacteria that commonly causes disease. It is completely safe to receive both immunizations during the same visit.
Why does my son or daughter need a meningococcal vaccine and a booster shot?
All 11 to 12 year olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Older teens need a second shot when they are 16 years old so they stay protected when their risk is the highest. Meningococcal B is given to anyone 16 through 23 years old to provide short term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease; 16 through 18 years are the preferred ages for vaccination.