More U.S. 'Tweens' Getting Recommended Vaccines

But health experts say there's still room for improvement among 11- and 12-year-olds

September 5, 2011 RSS Feed Print

Younger doctors have never seen some of the older vaccine-preventable diseases and may not realize how deadly they are. "These diseases can be serious and potentially fatal, and vaccines not only protect the teen, but those around the teen," Correa said.

Other obstacles to vaccination include teens themselves, he said. "They have a mind of their own and may refuse the vaccine due to fear of pain or side effects, and think they are indestructible anyway," he said.

Despite these hurdles, "the tide is turning," he said.

More information

Learn about the recommended adolescent vaccine schedule from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.