The preteen visit is also an opportunity for 11- and 12-year-olds to get the vaccines they need, including meningococcal vaccine, a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster, a second chickenpox shot (if they have never had chickenpox), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls.The recently licensed HPV vaccine protects girls and women against the two types of HPV which are responsible for 70 percent of all cervical cancer. The vaccine is given as three shots over six months, and can be given at the same time as the meningococcal, Tdap, and chickenpox shots.

“California’s youth are our greatest asset, and protecting their health is our responsibility,” said Dr. Hartmann.  “Ensuring they see a healthcare provider regularly not only protects their health today, but it also teaches them the importance of good health for the future.”For more information, please visit www.GetImmunizedCA.org or contact Amador County Public Health Department at 223-6407.