4.16.26

There’s something about the teenage years that feels… full. Full schedules, full calendars, full lives. Between sports practices, school events, jobs, and friendships, it’s easy for one important thing to quietly slip through the cracks:

Vaccines.

If your child is entering 7th or 11th grade, it’s been a few years since they’ve received vaccines other than their flu shot – so it’s not front of mind.

But here’s the truth: those vaccines are doing some of their most important work right now.

Growing Up Means New Protection

As kids grow into teens, their world expands. They’re spending more time in group settings, traveling for activities, and becoming more independent. With that comes new exposure to illnesses that can spread quickly (and sometimes quietly).

Vaccines during the teen years help protect against serious diseases like meningitis, HPV-related infections that lead to cancer, and whooping cough. These aren’t “rare enough to ignore” or “something that only happens somewhere else.” They’re real, and prevention is powerful.

The Busy Parent’s Blind Spot

If you’re a parent, you’re not forgetting on purpose. Life is just loud.

You’re remembering dentist appointments, permission slips, grocery lists, and everything in between. Teen vaccines don’t always come with the same reminders as early childhood shots (and teens themselves may not mention them).

That’s why this is your gentle nudge:

If your child is between 11 and 18, it’s worth checking. If they are entering 7th or 11th grade and haven’t had any vaccines lately – they are likely due for one!

A Simple Appointment, A Lasting Impact

Scheduling a vaccine appointment doesn’t take long, but the protection can last for years.

Think of it as one of those quiet parenting wins:

✔️ You may not see it

✔️ Your teen may not thank you

✔️ But you’ve done something that protects their future health

Here at Kidder County District Health Unit, we try to make it easy for you! Look out for these upcoming convenient clinics:

-School-located vaccine clinics (with parental consent) before the end of the school year to get your teen up to date or to get a jump start on the next year’s school vaccine requirements

-We partner with Four Seasons Wellness to offer vaccinations during sports physicals blitzes

-We plan to offer vaccine clinics on the weekends!

Make It Easy on Yourself

• Call your provider clinic or local public health office and ask: “Is my teen up to date on vaccines?”

• Combine it with a sports physical or check-up

• Put it on the calendar like anything else that matters

Because it does matter.

One Less Thing to Worry About

Parenting teens comes with enough unknowns. Vaccines are one thing you can feel confident about; one way to protect your child as they step further into the world.

So between the games, the homework, the late nights, and the busy days…take a moment to schedule the appointment. Future you (and your teen) will be glad you did.