Financing vaccines for adolescents: a position paper of the society for adolescent health and medicine

An increasing number of vaccines are now recommended for adolescents. These vaccines may greatly improve the health of adolescents and their communities. However, adolescent vaccine coverage rates lag behind those for infants and behind goals set by Healthy People 2010 [1]. Financial constraints have been reported to be a significant obstacle to immunizing adolescents and young adults [2]. At the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, we believe that to achieve increased vaccine coverage in this age group, financial barriers to immunization must be removed. Copyright © 2011 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Adolescent vaccinations: updates for the general practitioner

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adolescent providers have a unique opportunity to interface with adolescents during a transformative time period. Optimizing vaccinations may protect teens against preventable but potentially deadly diseases. Healthcare providers must be aware of the evolving vaccination data and up-to-date recommendations for vaccinations. RECENT FINDINGS: In spite of the Center for Disease Control recommendations, there is a gap between the actual and desired vaccination rates of adolescents. Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, meningococcal against ACWY serotypes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), are vaccinations unique to the adolescent period. There has been a marked increase in pertussis cases over the last 2 decades. Either of the meningitis B vaccines may be given to 16-18 years old and are effective in controlling college outbreaks. Increasing evidence continues to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccination, although a substantial number of adolescents remain unvaccinated. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to remedy this. SUMMARY: Adolescent providers should be aware of the increase in pertussis cases over the past 2 decades and the Category B recommendation for meningococcal B vaccine at 16-18 years, and they should work towards closing the gap between the actual and desired HPV vaccination rates

Self-induced medical abortion in an adolescent.

CASE REPORT: An 18-yr-old female presented to her local pediatric clinic with a 4-day history of vaginal bleeding and cramping. She reported sexual activity with last coitus two weeks prior and intermittent condom usage. Examination revealed blood in th