Preventing diseases that can spread in our communities is the foundation of public health and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is joining with the California Department of Public Health in recognizing March 1-7 as Preteen Vaccine Week, focusing on protecting kids ages 11 and 12 years against dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines are the best defense when it comes to giving children safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. Ensuring that kids stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, helps to protect our children, families and community from serious, life-threatening illnesses.

Preteens need vaccines against whooping cough (Tdap), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and meningitis (MenACWY), when they are 11-12 years old. Incoming 7th-graders must also provide proof of having received the whooping cough shot and two doses of chickenpox vaccine before starting school.

Additional meningitis vaccines are recommended when youths are 16 years old. Flu vaccine is also recommended for everyone 6 months or older, not just preteens and teens.

Ask your doctor about the vaccines recommended for your child at their preteen visit. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to cover CDC-recommended vaccines at all ages without charging a deductible or copayment.

Any child without coverage should be able to get vaccinations without a financial burden. Parents can contact their health-care provider or local health department for information about the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC), which provides free vaccines to eligible kids.

For more information, visit www.ShotsForSchool.org or www.GetImmunizedCA.org.