As preteens step into this pivotal phase of their lives, they begin to take charge of their health decisions, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being. The North Georgia Health District is joining in to celebrate Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, March 10 - 14, 2025. This crucial initiative empowers young individuals to make informed choices about their health. This week focuses on vaccines' vital role in protecting against preventable diseases, encouraging preteens to embrace the power of prevention.
Parents can conveniently access vaccines for their preteens at public health departments across North Georgia in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties. To view contact details, locations, and clinic hours for each health department, simply click on your county's name. Join us in championing health and wellness for our preteens!
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that preteens receive the below immunizations to provide protection from these vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
- MenACWY (Meningococcal disease)
- HPV (Human Papilloma virus)
- Annual flu (Influenza virus)
- COVID-19
In addition, it is equally important to ensure that our Georgia preteens are caught up on additional immunizations, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), hepatitis B, and chickenpox. Below are some resources to share this week as we rally together to communicate the importance of immunizations and preventive health for preteens.
- Vaccines for 11-and-12- Year Olds
- Addressing Vaccination Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults
- Vaccinations for Preteens and Teens
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A Parent’s Guide to Preteen and Teen HPV Vaccination
As we come together to celebrate Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week, let us remember that investing in our children's health today lays the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. By ensuring that our preteens receive their vaccinations, we are not just protecting them from diseases but empowering them to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. Let’s unite as a community—parents, guardians, educators, and health professionals—to champion immunizations' importance and instill a wellness culture among our youth. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all preteens in North Georgia, where every child can grow up strong, confident, and ready to take on the world. Join us in this vital mission and help spread the word!