Your son or daughter is entering a very exciting phase of their development. They are making a transition from a child to a young adult. This is a very important time to stay connected with your pediatrician. Not only do their bodies go through amazing changes needing routine careful examination and guidance with expected development, but their psychological development goes through incredible changes as well. We are here to offer guidance and support as both you and they go through these changes.
Many of these teenagers are involved in sports and other extracurricular activities. We are here to help you make sure that they engage in these activities safely and maintain their health as well as their academics. If they are participating in any school sports, the school will require an annual physical examination and sports form to be completed. They also will need updated vaccinations. Typically junior high students will need to have a tetanus booster, meningitis shot, probably a hepatitis A vaccine, and a second chickenpox vaccine if they have not already done so. In addition, a vaccine for HPV for the prevention of cervical cancer is highly recommended.We look forward to seeing you and your teenager as they go through this exciting phase.
Dr. Edwards
