This post was sponsored by Unity Consortium as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

A variety of maladies and diseases disable or shorten the lives of children across the world each year, but these conditions are easily preventable with access to life-saving vaccines.This is why I’m willing to go the distance to ensure that my children are more safe, secure, and prosperous. The least thing that I can do for them as a parent is helping them reach their full potential with preventative care, from childhood to adolescence. Preventative care like vaccinations is as just as important as annual check-ups.

The majority of parents and teens believe that vaccination is important, yet the rates are surprisingly lower than where they should be. One of the biggest factors that I believe play a role in this is that many of us get caught in a whirlwind of busyness! I’ll even admit that there are days that I get so caught up in a whirlwind of busyness that I feel like I am part of a circus. I get it! My life is seemingly a juggling act of work, managing household tasks, and taking care of three children with ages ranging from 2 months old to 11 years old. Another factor that plays a role is that some don’t think teen vaccination is a necessity, especially when they appear to be healthy! The truth is that teen vaccination is just as crucial as vaccinations for babies and young children.

Unity Consortium ‘s national survey that was taken by parents, teens, and health care providers alike may help put everything in perspective:

‣ Approximately 1 in 4 parents and teens believe that vaccines are more important for babies and not as important for teens.
‣ 41% (4 in 10) parents believe their teen should only see a doctor when he or she feels sick, lowering opportunities to discuss preventive health measures like vaccines.
‣ 34% of teens don’t realize that vaccinations are beneficial for them.
‣ While 92% of teens trust their doctor when seeking information about their health, 47% agree they do not like talking to doctors or other healthcare providers.

Recommendation Teen Vaccinations

‣ Meningococcal-includes two distinct meningococcal disease vaccines (ACWY and B)
‣Tdap-tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and Td Booster (tetanus and diphtheria)
‣ HPV (human papillomavirus)
‣ Flu

You can learn more preventative care for your teen at Unity4TeenVax.org. You can also connect with Unity Consortium via Facebook and Twitter.