If you are the parent of a preteen who is between the ages of 9-12 years, it’s time to make sure they are protected from cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cancer caused by several types of HPV.
The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and penis. It also prevents genital warts.
The vaccine is very safe and effective—and kids need to get the vaccine when it is recommended. Read on for more facts about when and why your preteen needs the cancer-preventing HPV vaccine.
Don’t HPV infections go away on their own?
Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes HPV infections will last longer. These are the infections that can cause cancers later in life.
HPV is easily spread—it can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms! Most people who become infected with HPV get it within 2-3 years of their first sexual activity. Someone who only has one partner can get HPV. Plus, sexual intercourse is not required for transmission.
A message about cervical cancer
Many patients are behind on HPV screening—and HPV vaccination—due to the COVID pandemic. To avoid preventable cancers, it’s crucial that kids and teens receive recommended HPV vaccinations along with all recommended immunizations.
Once they turn 21 years old, women and those assigned female at birth should be screened for cervical cancer. People at highest risk for cervical cancer are those who are unvaccinated, who are overdue for screening and those who had an abnormal result but have not received follow up care.Don’t skip cancer screening There are higher rates of cervical cancers in Black and Hispanic females, those who are low income, underinsured, and uninsured, sexual and gender minorities, and those who live in rural areas. Higher cervical cancer rates are partly due to limited access to screening and treatment and because they may not be aware that they need to get screened.
To prevent cervical cancer, patients are screened using HPV and Pap tests. A Pap test screens for precancers. An HPV test checks for the virus that causes cells to change and become cancerous.
If a patient has an abnormal Pap or HPV test, they should get a biopsy of their cervix. Some patients develop severe pre-cancerous changes and require a minor surgical procedure to remove the diseased portion of their cervix before they develop invasive cancer. They will need more frequent HPV and Pap tests to make sure they are not developing cancer.
Remember
Three of every four adults will have at least one HPV infection before age 30. Each year, more than 46,000 people—men and women—suffer from cancers caused by HPV. Over 7,000 die per year from cancers caused by HPV, including penile, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and head and neck cancers.
It doesn’t have to be that way. By making sure that kids get the vaccine before they are exposed to the virus—we can prevent cancer.
Hepatitis B vaccine can prevent Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or it can lead to a serious, lifelong illness.
Acute hepatitis B infection is a short-term illness that can lead to fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements), and pain in the muscles, joints and stomach.
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body. Most people who go on to develop chronic hepatitis B do not have symptoms, but it is still very serious and can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and death. Chronically-infected people can spread hepatitis B virus to others, even if they do not feel or look sick themselves.
Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen or other body fluid infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of a person who is not infected. People can become infected through:
Birth (if a mother has hepatitis B, her baby can become infected)
Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
Contact with the blood or open sores of an infected person
Sex with an infected partner
Sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment
Exposure to blood from needlesticks or other sharp instruments
Most people who are vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine are immune for life.
Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as 2, 3, or 4 shots.
Infants should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and will usually complete the series at 6–18 months of age. The birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is an important part of preventing long-term illness in infants and the spread of hepatitis B in the United States.
Children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not yet gotten the vaccine should also be vaccinated.
Adults who were not vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis B can also get the vaccine.
Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for the following people:
People whose sex partners have hepatitis B
Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, monogamous relationship
People seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease
Victims of sexual assault or abuse
Men who have sexual contact with other men
People who share needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment
People who live with someone infected with the hepatitis B virus
Health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood or body fluids
Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled people
People living in jail or prison
Travelers to regions with increased rates of hepatitis B
People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease on dialysis, HIV infection, infection with hepatitis C, or diabetes
Hepatitis B vaccine may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot). Hepatitis B vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:
Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone hepatitis B vaccination until a future visit.
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should be vaccinated if they are at risk for getting hepatitis B. Pregnancy or breastfeeding are not reasons to avoid hepatitis B vaccination.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis B vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
Risks of a vaccine reaction
Soreness where the shot is given or fever can happen after hepatitis B vaccine.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury or death.
What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not give medical advice.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can cause lifelong HBV infection and can lead to liver cancer or permanent scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).
More than 1 million people in the United States are living with lifelong HBV infection. Anyone can get infected with HBV, including your child. The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to protect your child from becoming infected.
Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how HBV is spread and why the hepatitis B vaccine is so important.
How is hepatitis B virus spread?
Hepatitis B virus is spread by blood or body fluids.
Here are ways exposure to these fluids can happen:
During birth (if the mother has HBV)
Sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes, with a person who is infected
Having unprotected sex with a person who is infected
Injecting or shooting drugs using a needle with infected blood — Infection through direct contact with infected blood may occur.
Some children may also become infected with HBV while living in the same household as a person with a lifelong form of the infection.
Why is my child at risk?
You may feel your child will never be exposed to HBV in any of these ways.
Here are some facts about HBV to think about:
One-third of people who are infected with HBV in the United States don’t know how they got it.
Some people with HBV do not even know they are infected.
A person, especially a child, with HBV may not feel or look sick.
Nearly half of the more than 5,000 adult Americans who die from hepatitis B each year caught their infection during childhood.
People with HBV can pass it to others who aren’t protected. Immunizing your child against this virus will protect her now and when she is older and exposed to more people.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
The vaccine is very safe. No serious reactions have been linked to this vaccine. Side effects are usually mild and include fussiness or soreness where the shot was given. Symptoms usually go away within 48 to 72 hours. Keep in mind that getting the vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
When should my child get the hepatitis B vaccine?
Your child needs at least 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine to be fully protected.
The recommended times to receive hepatitis B vaccine are:
At birth
At 1 to 2 months of age
At 6 to 18 months of age
Newborns should receive their first dose of vaccine within the first 24 hours of birth. Newborns who for a medical or other reason did not get the vaccine at birth should get their first dose as soon as possible, and complete all 3 doses at the recommended intervals.
If a pregnant woman tests positive for HBV during routine prenatal screening or at the time of delivery, her child must receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. The second dose should be given at 1 month of age, and the final dose by 6 months of age.
Older children or teens who have not been immunized and any unvaccinated person living with a person who is known to be infected by HBV should receive 3 doses of the vaccine to be protected against infection.
It’s important that your child gets all 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine as recommended in the childhood immunization schedule. The vaccine is very effective. More than 95% of children who receive all the recommended doses of the vaccine are fully protected against the illnesses caused by HBV.
Who should not get the vaccine?
In rare cases, there are children who should not get the vaccine, including:
Children who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine. Such reactions are rare.
Children who are more than mildly sick on the day the vaccination is scheduled. These children may need to wait until they are feeling better. Children with minor colds, an upset stomach, or an ear infection can receive the hepatitis B vaccine safely.
Remember
Immunizations have protected children for years, but vaccines only work if your child is immunized. It only takes 3 doses of the hepatitis B vaccine to protect your child for a lifetime.
Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. It is usually spread through close personal contact with an infected person or when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks that are contaminated by small amounts of stool (poop) from an infected person.
Most adults with hepatitis A have symptoms, including fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light colored bowel movements). Most children less than 6 years of age do not have symptoms.
A person infected with hepatitis A can transmit the disease to other people even if he or she does not have any symptoms of the disease.
Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death; this is more common in people older than 50 and in people with other liver diseases.
Hepatitis A vaccine has made this disease much less common in the United States. However, outbreaks of hepatitis A among unvaccinated people still happen.
Hepatitis A vaccine
Children need 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine:
First dose: 12 through 23 months of age
Second dose: at least 6 months after the first dose
Older children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age who were not vaccinated previously should be vaccinated.
Adults who were not vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine.
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for the following people:
All children aged 12–23 months
Unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 2–18 years
International travelers
Men who have sex with men
People who use injection or non-injection drugs
People who have occupational risk for infection
People who anticipate close contact with an international adoptee
People experiencing homelessness
People with HIV
People with chronic liver disease
Any person wishing to obtain immunity (protection)
In addition, a person who has not previously received hepatitis A vaccine and who has direct contact with someone with hepatitis A should get hepatitis A vaccine within 2 weeks after exposure.
Hepatitis A vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone hepatitis A vaccination to a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis A vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
Risks of a vaccine reaction
Soreness or redness where the shot is given, fever, headache, tiredness, or loss of appetite can happen after hepatitis A vaccine.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit the vaccine safety site.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not give medical advice.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Visit the VICP website or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation
Hib vaccine can prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease.
Haemophilus influenzae type b can cause many different kinds of infections. These infections usually affect children under 5 years of age, but can also affect adults with certain medical conditions. Hib bacteria can cause mild illness, such as ear infections or bronchitis, or they can cause severe illness, such as infections of the bloodstream. Severe Hib infection, also called invasive Hib disease, requires treatment in a hospital and can sometimes result in death.
Before Hib vaccine, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to brain damage and deafness.
Hib infection can also cause:
pneumonia,
severe swelling in the throat, making it hard to breathe,
infections of the blood, joints, bones, and covering of the heart,
death.
Hib vaccine
Hib vaccine is usually given as 3 or 4 doses (depending on brand). Hib vaccine may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot).
Infants will usually get their first dose of Hib vaccine at 2 months of age, and will usually complete the series at 12-15 months of age.
Children between 12-15 months and 5 years of age who have not previously been completely vaccinated against Hib may need 1 or more doses of Hib vaccine.
Children over 5 years old and adults usually do not receive Hib vaccine, but it might be recommended for older children or adults with asplenia or sickle cell disease, before surgery to remove the spleen, or following a bone marrow transplant. Hib vaccine may also be recommended for people 5 to 18 years old with HIV.
Hib vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of Hib vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone Hib vaccination to a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting Hib vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
Risks of a vaccine reaction
Redness, warmth, and swelling where the shot is given, and fever can happen after Hib vaccine.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the or call 1-800-822-7967.
*VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not give medical advice.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Visit the website or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that spreads easily. In fact, it is so common that most adults are infected at least once in their life. Most of the time, our bodies can suppress HPV. When a person gets infected with the virus, there is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems. It can take years or decades before cancer from HPV infection develops.
Each year, more than 46,000 people—men and women—suffer from cancers caused by HPV. Over 7,000 die per year from cancers caused by HPV, including penile, vaginal, vulvar, anal and head and neck cancers.
That is why your child or teen needs the HPV vaccine now—to protect against viruses that cause HPV-related cancers later.
How does HPV spread?
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, sexual intercourse is not required for transmission. Three of every four adults will have at least one HPV infection before age 30.
Why do kids need the HPV vaccine now, if the cancers don’t develop until they are adults?
There are several reasons not to wait. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids get the HPV vaccine starting at age 9 through 12 years. Vaccinating kids when it is most effective will protect them before they are exposed to the virus. It seems to last a lifetime—so it cannot be too early to vaccinate.
The HPV vaccine is also more effective if given at an earlier age. This is partly because pre-teens produce more antibody after HPV vaccination than older teens. HPV vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Most children who get the first dose of HPV vaccine before their 15th birthday need two doses. The doses should be given 6 to 12 months apart.
People who start the HPV vaccine series at age 15 or later and younger people with certain immune conditions need three doses. The doses should be given over a six-month period (0, two and six months).
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes! The HPV vaccine has a very good safety record. It is approved for everyone age 9 through 26 years. Some adults 27 through 45 years old also may be eligible for the HPV vaccine.
Millions of doses have been distributed, and there have been no serious safety concerns. The vaccine continues to be monitored for safety in over 80 countries around the world.
HPV vaccine side effects
As with any vaccine, a child might have pain or redness in the arm after the injection. In any type of medical procedure, it is not uncommon that preteens or teens might faint. For that reason, we ask kids or teens to sit in the doctor’s office or waiting room for about 15 minutes after any shot.
Remember
HPV infections are so common that nearly all people will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their life. Sometimes, these infections do not go away. They last longer and cause cancer later in life. When kids get vaccinated, it protects them from cancer caused by HPV for a lifetime. Ask your pediatrician at your next checkup or schedule an appointment soon if your child or teen has not started the HPV vaccine series by the time they are 9-12 years old.
If you are the parent of a preteen who is between the ages of 9-12 years, it’s time to make sure they are protected from cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cancer caused by several types of HPV.
The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and penis. It also prevents genital warts.
The vaccine is very safe and effective—and kids need to get the vaccine when it is recommended. Read on for more facts about when and why your preteen needs the cancer-preventing HPV vaccine.
Why is HPV vaccine recommended at age 9-12?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids get 2 doses of the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12. Here’s why:
The vaccine is more effective if given sooner. This is partly because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older adolescents do. The vaccine just works better with their immune system.
Kids are protected from cancer before they are exposed to the virus. Giving the vaccine earlier also means they can be protected well before they are exposed to the virus. That’s what you want—because this is a vaccine that that can actually prevent cancer.
So, let’s say your teen is 15 years old and has not had their first dose. It’s not too late! The AAP recommends a total of 3 doses instead of 2 doses. People with certain conditions that weaken the immune system also get 3 doses. And your teen can get the HPV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.
Don’t HPV infections go away on their own?
Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes HPV infections will last longer. These are the infections that can cause cancers later in life.
HPV is easily spread—it can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms! Most people who become infected with HPV get it within 2-3 years of their first sexual activity. Someone who only has one partner can get HPV. Plus, sexual intercourse is not required for transmission.
A message about cervical cancer
Many patients are behind on HPV screening—and HPV vaccination—due to the COVID pandemic. To avoid preventable cancers, it’s crucial that kids and teens receive recommended HPV vaccinations along with all recommended immunizations.
Once they turn 21 years old, women and those assigned female at birth should be screened for cervical cancer. People at highest risk for cervical cancer are those who are unvaccinated, who are overdue for screening and those who had an abnormal result but have not received follow up care.
To prevent cervical cancer, patients are screened using HPV and Pap tests. A Pap test screens for precancers. An HPV test checks for the virus that causes cells to change and become cancerous.
If a patient has an abnormal Pap or HPV test, they should get a biopsy of their cervix. Some patients develop severe pre-cancerous changes and require a minor surgical procedure to remove the diseased portion of their cervix before they develop invasive cancer. They will need more frequent HPV and Pap tests to make sure they are not developing cancer.
Remember
Three of every four adults will have at least one HPV infection before age 30. Each year, more than 46,000 people—men and women—suffer from cancers caused by HPV. Over 7,000 die per year from cancers caused by HPV, including penile, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and head and neck cancers.
It doesn’t have to be that way. By making sure that kids get the vaccine before they are exposed to the virus—we can prevent cancer.
Yes. Many people associate human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer. And it’s true that almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. But HPV also causes vaginal, vulvar, cervical, penile and anal precancers and cancers, and mouth and throat cancers. The virus also causes most types of genital warts.
HPV vaccine: powerful protection
The HPV vaccine has been recommended for girls since 2006 and for boys since 2011. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the vaccine for boys and girls starting at age 9. The HPV vaccine protects people from:
over 90% of cancers caused by the virus,
pre-cancers (abnormal cells that lead to cancer),
almost all cases of cervical cancer and
nearly 100% of cases of genital warts.
The HPV vaccine also prevents a high percentage of other HPV-related cancers. For example, the virus causes oral cancer—in the back of the throat, base of the tongue and tonsils.About 70% of oral cancers are caused by HPV in the U.S. The virus spreads to the mouth by oral sex, and possibly can spread in other ways. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause oral cancers.
When do oral HPV symptoms develop?
About 10% of men and 3.6% of women are infected with oral HPV. Most people who get infected with oral HPV do not have symptoms and the virus goes away within a year or two.
After a person is infected with the HPV virus, it can take years for oral cancer to develop.
Symptoms of oral cancer include a long-lasting sore throat, earaches, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing and unexplained weight loss. Or, you may have no symptoms.
Unlike cervical cancer, there is no test to screen for oral cancer or any other HPV-associated cancer. HPV-associated oral cancer rates are higher than HPV-associated cervical cancer rates. More than 8 out of 10 cases of oral cancer linked to HPV are in men.
The AAP recommends the HPV vaccine starting at age 9. Getting the vaccine at this age protects your preteen well before they are exposed to the virus.
Preteens get two doses and teens 15 and older get three doses because preteens make more antibodies after they get the HPV vaccine than older teens or young adults. Three doses also are recommended for preteens and teens age 9 years and older who have certain immunocompromising conditions.
Older teens can still get the HPV vaccine
If your teen or young adult is 15 years or older and has not started or finished their series of HPV vaccine shots, it’s not too late. Just like most vaccines they got as a baby, your teen needs all recommended doses to build their immunity and prevent infection.
Protecting your preteen or teen now gives them the best shot at preventing cancer in the future. Make an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as possible and protect them from HPV-related cancer.
Dengue vaccine can help protect against dengue in people who have had dengue in the past.
Dengue is caused by one of four viruses spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. A person can get infected by any of the four dengue viruses. Infection with one dengue virus does not protect against infection with the other three viruses. Each year, up to 400 million people are infected with dengue. Almost half of the world’s population lives in areas with a risk of dengue.
Most people infected with dengue have no symptoms or experience mild disease.
Some people who get sick with dengue have sudden onset of fever with nausea, vomiting, a rash, and eye, muscle, joint, or bone aches and pains.
A smaller number of people with dengue will have severe disease. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, requiring immediate medical attention at a hospital. Hospitalization with dengue is most common in older children and adolescents. Warning signs of severe dengue begin 12 to 24 hours after fever goes away and include stomach pain and tenderness, vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, and extreme tiredness or restlessness.
Rarely, dengue can have serious effects on the liver, heart, central nervous system, kidneys, eyes, muscles, or bone marrow. Severe dengue can also lead to death.
Dengue vaccine
Dengue vaccine is recommended for children 9 through 16 years old who:
Have a history of dengue infection in the past confirmed by a laboratory test
Live in an area where dengue is common, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and freely associated states including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau
Dengue vaccine is NOT recommended for travelers.
To receive the vaccine, your child must have had dengue in the past, confirmed by blood testing. The vaccine could increase the risk of severe dengue and hospitalization in children who have not had dengue before if they are infected with dengue after vaccination.
Children need 3 doses of the dengue vaccine. The second dose should be given 6 months after the first dose, the third dose 6 months after the second dose.
Dengue vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:
Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of dengue vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies
Has a weakened immune system
If the person getting the vaccine is pregnant or breastfeeding, they should discuss benefits and potential risks of dengue vaccination with their health care provider.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone dengue vaccination until a future visit.
People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting dengue vaccine.
Your health care provider can give you more information.
Risks of a vaccine reaction
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot is given, tiredness or weakness, fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle pain can happen after dengue vaccination.
If a person who has never had dengue in the past gets dengue vaccine, they are at increased risk of severe disease if they become infected with dengue in the future.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What if there is a serious problem?
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.
About half of the world’s population lives where dengue virus spreads. In the United States, dengue is common (endemic) in some U.S. territories and freely associated states (American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau).
Many times, dengue is mild. But those at risk of severe dengue may need hospital care. If your family is at risk for dengue, consult your pediatrician for information about the dengue vaccine for children and adolescents.
What is dengue?
Dengue is a disease caused by one of the four related viruses: dengue 1, 2,3, and 4. There are four types of dengue viruses, therefore, people can get infected four times throughout their lives. Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito (Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus).
Is dengue dangerous?
For many who get sick, dengue is mild. Some who get sick with dengue have sudden onset of fever with other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, aches and pain (muscle, joint, or bone pain, pain behind the eyes), or a rash.
Warning signs of severe dengue: About 1 in 20 people who get sick will have severe dengue—a medical emergency that requires immediate medical care at a hospital. Severe dengue can have serious effects on the liver, heart, central nervous system, kidneys, eyes, muscles, or bone marrow. Severe dengue can also lead to death.
These warning signs usually begin around the time fever starts to go away and include stomach pain and tenderness, vomiting (3 times or more in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, and extreme tiredness, restlessness, or irritability.
Some people are at higher risk of serious illness: People who have been infected with a dengue virus in the past are more likely to develop severe dengue illness the next time they get infected. Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk for severe dengue. Hospitalization with dengue is also common in older children and adolescents.
How is dengue treated?
Currently, no medication is available to effectively treat a dengue infection or shorten your child’s length of illness. Mild symptoms can be treated at home by resting as much as possible, controlling fever, and preventing dehydration. Watch for warning signs as fever goes away.
If your child has a fever, their doctor may suggest acetaminophen and physical cooling methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication and aspirin are not recommended because of the risk of bleeding and other problems. Some patients at high risk for severe dengue may need to be monitored in the hospital.
For babies and children who develop symptoms of dengue, illness can become serious quickly.
The sooner their serious symptoms are recognized, the better. Severe dengue infections may require intravenous (IV) treatment and hospital care.
Can dengue spread to my baby if I get infected while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A pregnant woman who is infected with dengue can pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Dengue can have harmful effects, including death of the fetus, low birth weight and premature birth.
To date, there has been one report of dengue spread through breast milk. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding even with a dengue infection.
How can I help protect my children and my family from dengue?
There are two ways to prevent dengue: preventing mosquito bites and, for some children, a vaccine.
Prevention: It is essential to control the mosquitoes inside and outside the home, prevent mosquito bites by using an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, and use other methods, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Vaccination: In 2021, a dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, was approved and recommended to prevent dengue illness, hospitalization, and severe dengue in children ages 9 through 16 years who have laboratory evidence of a previous dengue infection and live in dengue-endemic areas.
Consult with your child’s pediatrician to learn more about your family’s risk for dengue infection and severe dengue, and how this vaccine can help protect your children from dengue.
Is the dengue vaccine for all kids?
No. The Dengvaxia dengue vaccine is recommended specifically for children:
9 through 16 years of age,
who have laboratory evidence of previous dengue infection,
who currently live in areas where dengue is common.
Kids with no evidence of previous dengue infection cannot get the dengue vaccine as it may increase their risk of hospitalization and severe illness if they get infected with dengue in the future. The dengue vaccine is not recommended for people traveling to endemic areas.
How effective is the dengue vaccine?
The dengue vaccine is 80% effective at preventing dengue illness, hospitalization, and severe dengue in children who have had dengue in the past.
How is the dengue vaccine administered?
The dengue vaccine is injected in the arm muscle. A total of three doses are given six months apart for full protection. Clinical studies indicate that the dengue vaccine can protect children against dengue for at least six years.
Before kids can get the dengue vaccine, a laboratory test is required to confirm that they have previously had a dengue infection.
The blood test will check to see if your child has had a previous dengue infection.
If the lab test results are positive, they can receive the dengue vaccine.
If the lab test results are negative, they won’t be able to be vaccinated. Your child or teen should be tested again in one or two years.
Remember
Even though most people infected with dengue have mild symptoms, it can be a life-threatening disease.
If you live in an area where dengue is common, prevent mosquito bites and talk to your pediatrician about the dengue vaccine for children.
