Immunization in adolescents : past, present and future

In the past, immunization programs worldwide mainly focused on the delivery of infant and early childhood vaccines. An increasing awareness of the importance of investing in adolescents’ health has led to the introduction of new vaccines targeted specifically to adolescents over the last ten years: this has improved the adolescent’s opportunities to protect from certain diseases for which they are at an increased risk. Safe and effective vaccines against human papilloma virus, Neisseria meningitides and Bordetella pertussis are recommended in many parts of the world; nevertheless, vaccination coverage in this age group is relatively low compared to coverage in infants. Barriers to adolescent immunization are believed to be complex and multifactorial but overcoming these barriers will be of primary importance for the future.