With the decline in routine pediatric immunizations and well-child visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthy Teen Network encourages our members to identify ways to partner with providers and families to help children and adolescents catch up on preventive care. Well visits are a good venue for routine and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a variety of important screenings and assessments.

We encourage you to utilize every opportunity to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 12 and above, and routine immunizations for all children, adolescents, and young adults.

We encourage you to utilize every opportunity to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 12 and above, and routine immunizations for all children, adolescents, and young adults. In support of routine vaccination, we’ve developed some resources to help educate parents about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine:

New and Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Last week, the CDC released new and updated resources to support the COVID-19 vaccination program. Below is a summary of the resources, including links.

Information for Parents and Adolescents

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens provides information about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents aged 12 and older, how to find a vaccination provider for adolescents, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
• COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens is a printable fact sheet for parents that explains the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine for their children, safety information, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
• Two new FAQs have been posted to address questions about the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.
• Your menstrual cycle cannot be affected by being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine. This Myth-Buster about Menstrual Cycles explains why.
•  It is safe for people who would like to have a baby one day to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This Myth-Buster about Infertility explains why.
• The Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and About COVID-19 Vaccines webpages have been updated to include the recommendation that adolescents aged 12 and older get vaccinated.
• The COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Specific Groups webpage has been updated to help the public find information about vaccination for adolescents.

Information for Healthcare and Vaccine Providers

• The Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit provides materials to help healthcare providers give parents clear and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. The toolkit includes answers to common questions, an explanation of how mRNA vaccines work, and printable materials to give to parents.
• FAQs about consent for minors have been posted on the Pfizer-BioNTech product page for providers with information about consent, prescreening questions, and other issues related to the vaccination of minors.
• Healthcare providers can customize and send this sample patient letter to encourage their patients to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It includes the new recommendation that everyone aged 12 and up get a COVID-19 vaccination.
• The Vaccine Recipient Education webpage has been updated to include resources about COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents.

Information for Community Groups and Health Departments

• The Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit has been updated to include information and resources on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 and older.