Now is the time to catch up on missed immunizations
Many adolescents missed annual well visits and immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recommends annual visits to the doctor for adolescents and young adults as many time-sensitive screenings and immunizations are given during these visits. But missed visits have resulted in routine immunizations remaining well below 2019 levels, and the decline in recommended vaccination rates leaves teens susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Now is the time to catch up on missed vaccinations. Vaccines are needed to safely participate in in-person learning, sports, after-school activities and other activities. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now authorized for people ages 5 and up, so they can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at the same time as other recommended vaccinations.
And don't forget - stay healthy this winter and protect yourself from flu! There are convenient locations in your community ready to get you flu vaccinated.
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Take steps now
Schedule a well visit
If you or your adolescent missed a well visit in the last year due to the pandemic, schedule one now. These visits are important to keep your teen healthy.
Stay up to date on vaccines
Recommended vaccines may be needed to fully participate in activities such as school and extracurriculars.
Visit your healthcare professional - it's safe
Some parents are worried about the safety of going to a doctor’s office, pharmacy or clinic during the pandemic. Physician offices, clinics and pharmacies have put safety measures in place, including mask-wearing, social distancing, regular sanitizing, etc. Contact your doctor or pharmacy to learn about the safety measures in place.
If you are a healthcare provider, contact parents of adolescents and encourage them to come in for well visits and vaccinations. Here are resources you can use and customize to reach out to parents of adolescents to ask them to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about Unity’s multi-wave national survey about the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent health and immunization. The fact sheet summarizes learning and provides insight on what you can do to support adolescent health.
Don't Wait. Vaccinate. Social Media
Here are graphics and posts you can use to share your support for the campaign!
Use the hashtag #DontWaitVaccinate to spread the word.
We’re part of @UnityConsortium’s “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate” campaign! Adolescents need their routine vaccinations AND the COVID-19 vaccine! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3e0KY98 #dontwaitvaccinate
Most adolescents are recommended to get 5 vaccines: Tdap, HPV, 2 types of Meningitis vaccines and a yearly flu shot. And now the COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 and up – get vaccinations NOW! @UnityConsortium #dontwaitvaccinate
Unsure of what vaccines your adolescent needs? I used @UnityConsortium’s “Learn” page to guide my vaccine journey – start yours now! https://www.unity4teenvax.org/parents/ #dontwaitvaccinate
We need to work together to make sure that our community is vaccinated. Join me and @UnityConsortium in spreading the word about the COVID-19 vaccine! For more information, check out the Don’t Wait Vaccinate campaign: https://www.unity4teenvax.org/dontwaitvaccinate/ #dontwaitvaccinate
Infographics and Posters
Below are infographics and posters for use in your newsletters, websites, and other social/digital communications. Share digitally or print for use as posters or flyers.
It's safe to go for a well visit
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Now is the time to catch up on vaccines
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Posters / Flyers
Click on the image to download!
Hear about promising practices that schools have adopted to help keep students safe and healthy and support healthy school environments from our panel discussion on September 30!
Moderated by Dr. Chelsea Clinton, panelists provide multiple perspectives: administrators, educators, and teens.
Watch a full recording of the webinar here!
