Adolescent Health in Focus: Why Teens Still Need Vaccines and Preventive Care
When my three children were babies, I was diligent about keeping up with their vaccinations.
I still remember bringing their well-baby booklets to every pediatric visit, checking off each shot and milestone with care. Those records are still tucked safely in a drawer at home, a reminder of how much effort we put into protecting them during their early years.
But now that they’re older, teens and young adults, I’ve realized that their need for protection hasn’t gone away. The conversation around immunization and health shouldn't stop after childhood. In fact, adolescence brings its own set of risks, and preventive care remains just as important.
This message was at the heart of a recent forum hosted in celebration of Adolescent Immunization Month.
The Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc. (SAMPI) brought together healthcare professionals, educators, and parent advocates in a national forum titled Uniting Voices for Adolescent Health. Their goal: to raise awareness about the unique health needs of adolescents and encourage families to take action through consistent preventive care.
Adolescents go through rapid physical, emotional, and mental changes. Despite this, many teens fall through the cracks of the healthcare system due to missed checkups, waning awareness, and limited access to services.
"Prioritizing our teens ensures a better future, not only for themselves but also for future generations," said Dr. Michelle Anne Noblejas-Mangubat, SAMPI President. "This is not an easy task, and we need all the help we can get."
Dr. Ma. Emma Alesna-Llanto of the UP Philippine General Hospital on emphasizing the long-term impact of investing in teen health.
"Adolescents are often seen as healthy, and because of that, they’re often ignored. But they make up about 40% of our population," she said. “They are not a burden; they are an asset.”
Dr. Llanto explained that many chronic illnesses in adulthood, such as heart disease and certain cancers, stem from habits and risks that begin in the teenage years. Vaccination, she said, is one of the most effective tools to prevent these outcomes.
She also pointed out that investments in adolescent health pay off. “Every dollar spent on teen preventive care can yield five to ten dollars in return, more than what we often see in adult care,” she said.
From Forgotten to Frontline: Prioritizing Teen Checkups
In her talk From Forgotten to Forefront, Dr. Vanessa-Maria Torres-Ticzon, President of the Philippine Society for Adolescent Medicine Specialists, explained why adolescents still need regular health checkups and updated immunizations.
“Many teens miss doses from childhood, and immunity can wane. They’re also more exposed to behaviors that increase risk for infections like HPV and HIV,” she said.
Unlike young children, teens don’t always have scheduled visits with their doctors. Parents may assume they no longer need vaccines, and providers may not always feel equipped to start the conversation.
Dr. Ticzon encouraged comprehensive teen wellness visits, ones that include physical exams, risk screening, guidance, and vaccinations. “We need to make adolescents feel safe, respected, and heard. Every visit is an opportunity.”
Immunization remains a cornerstone of adolescent preventive care. Essential vaccines for teens include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Influenza
- Varicella
- Meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines
To help families stay on top of these, SAMPI launched the Teen Vax Record Booklet, a practical, easy-to-use tool that helps track immunization schedules. Available in pediatric clinics, the booklet can also spark helpful conversations between doctors and families.
“Vaccinated teens protect not only themselves but also the most vulnerable people around them,” said Dr. Llanto. “It’s protection that echoes across generations.”
Even outside clinics, parents, schools, and healthcare providers can take meaningful action:
- Parents can speak with fellow families and bring their teens to regular pediatric checkups.
- School health personnel can integrate vaccination reminders into school programs.
- Healthcare professionals are encouraged to include teens in routine care and confidently recommend the vaccines they need.
Dr. Ticzon advises using the "announcement method": introduce vaccines as a normal part of care, explain their purpose clearly, and leave space for questions. “These small steps can save lives,” she said.
The forum ended with a powerful call for collaboration. Families, schools, and the healthcare system all have a role to play in building a future where adolescent health is prioritized.
“We believe every Filipino teen deserves a healthy, supported journey to adulthood,” SAMPI said in its closing message. “We are committed to empowering families with timely, informed, and holistic care, including protection from vaccine-preventable diseases, mental health support, and good nutrition.”
As a parent, I’ve realized that just as I once carefully guarded those baby booklets, I now have a responsibility to protect my children through their teen years as well. Their health journey isn’t over, it’s evolving. And together, we can make sure they’re protected every step of the way.
No comments:
God Bless & Stay Safe!