Immunizations in adolescents--an update

The past decade has brought a series of new vaccines targeted specifically to adolescents. Recommended vaccinations for adolescents now offer protection against human papillomavirus, Neisseria meningitidis, pertussis, and influenza. As the vaccine schedule is ever changing, it is critical that health care providers be up to date and implement current recommendations. In this article, we discuss the major vaccines targeted at adolescents, issues unique to vaccinating adolescents, and strategies for increasing vaccine coverage rates. Forming partnerships with other health professionals, school-based clinics, and most importantly adolescents and their families is a fundamental element of any successful adolescent vaccination effort.