According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of Americans aged 13-17 are under-vaccinated against serious infectious diseases.
Only one-third of teens have received the second dose of the meningitis vaccine by the time they reach the age of 17 and less than half of adolescents have received an annual flu shot according to the CDC. However, there’s reason to believe there may be a gap between parents’ perception of their teenagers’ immunization history and reality.
According to a national poll on children’s health, 79 percent of parents report their child “definitely” received all the recommended vaccines for the child's age, while an additional 14 percent say their child was "probably" up-to-date.
For parents unsure of recommended vaccination schedules, pharmacists can be a resource. In addition to providing counsel on recommended vaccinations, pharmacists may provide convenient access to flu shots and other vaccinations at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.
As one of the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists play a valuable role in helping families stay protected. From vaccinations to overall health management, pharmacists connect families to affordable and effective ways to help people on their path to better health.
For more information about CVS Health’s efforts to improve pharmacy care, visit our Health Care Delivery & Innovation information center and the CVS Health Impact Dashboard. And to stay informed about the most talked-about topics in health care, register for content alerts and our bi-weekly health care newsletter.
