Vaccinations
MEASLES, MUMPS, AND RUBELLA (MMR)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are three contagious viral infections that can cause various symptoms in children and adults.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that spreads over the body.
Mumps is another contagious viral infection that spreads through saliva or respiratory secretions. The most common symptom of mumps is swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands, which are located on either side of the face, below the ears
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that is spread through contact with respiratory secretions. Symptoms of rubella may include a mild fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In pregnant women, rubella can cause serious birth defects and even miscarriage.
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against all three of these viral infections. It is typically given to children in two doses, one at 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella and is an essential component of childhood immunization programs.
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, AND PERTUSSIS (TDAP)
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) are three bacterial infections that can be prevented through vaccination.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium that lives in soil, dust, and animal feces. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds and produce a toxin that causes muscle stiffness and spasms.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium that is spread through respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions of an infected person. The bacteria produces a toxin that can cause severe damage to the heart, nervous system, and other organs
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is spread through respiratory droplets. The infection can cause severe coughing spells that can last for weeks or months, and can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against all three of these bacterial infections. It is typically given to children at age 11-12 and to adults who have not received it previously or require a booster shot.
MENINGOCOCCAL
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood infection) in people of all ages. The disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which can be spread through respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In more severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. The disease can progress very quickly, so early recognition and treatment are essential.
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection, and vaccination is an important tool in preventing the disease and its complications.
FLU
The flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine, is a vaccine that protects against the influenza virus. Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and other symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the virus if a person is exposed to it. The vaccine is typically given annually, as the protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time and the strains of the virus can change from year to year.
PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE (PCV23
PCV23 stands for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 23, which is a vaccine that helps protect against pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The vaccine is made up of a combination of polysaccharides (sugar molecules) from 23 different types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These polysaccharides help stimulate the immune system to create protective antibodies that can fight off the bacteria in case of an infection.
PCV23 is primarily recommended for adults aged 65 years and older, as well as for younger adults who have certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease. The vaccine is also sometimes recommended for children who have certain medical conditions that make them more susceptible to the disease.
PEDIARIX
Pediarix is a combination vaccine that is designed to protect children against several different diseases with a single shot. The vaccine contains antigens for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and polio.
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are bacterial infections that can cause severe illness, particularly in infants and young children. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can damage the liver, and polio is a viral infection that can cause paralysis.
Pediarix is typically given to infants and young children in a series of three or four doses, starting at two months of age. The vaccine is given as an injection in the thigh muscle, and the dosing schedule is usually spaced out over several months to ensure optimal protection against the targeted diseases.
Pediarix is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, as well as fever, irritability, and fussiness. Serious side effects are rare, but may include an allergic reaction or a seizure.
View The Immunization Schedule
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, AND PERTUSSIS (TDAP)
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) are three bacterial infections that can be prevented through vaccination.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium that lives in soil, dust, and animal feces. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds and produce a toxin that causes muscle stiffness and spasms.
Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium that is spread through respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions of an infected person. The bacteria produces a toxin that can cause severe damage to the heart, nervous system, and other organs
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is spread through respiratory droplets. The infection can cause severe coughing spells that can last for weeks or months, and can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that provides protection against all three of these bacterial infections. It is typically given to children at age 11-12 and to adults who have not received it previously or require a booster shot.
HEPATITIS B
The Hepatitis B vaccine is a vaccine that protects against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a serious viral infection that can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and other serious health complications.
The vaccine is typically given in a series of three or four shots over a six-month period. The vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and for children and adults who are at high risk for the infection, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sex partners, and people who use injection drugs.
The vaccine is safe and effective, and serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects include soreness or swelling at the injection site and mild fever. The vaccine is an important tool in preventing the spread of Hepatitis B and reducing the risk of serious health complications associated with the infection.
VARICELLA
The Varicella vaccine, also known as the chickenpox vaccine, is a vaccine that protects against the Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that is characterized by a rash of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that can spread over the entire body.
The Varicella vaccine is typically given in two doses, usually starting at age 12-15 months, with the second dose given at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing chickenpox, and also reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications associated with the infection.
The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the virus if a person is exposed to it. The vaccine is typically given annually, as the protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time and the strains of the virus can change from year to year.
PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE (PCV13)
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is a vaccine that protects against the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
PCV13 is a type of pneumococcal vaccine that is given in a series of doses to infants and young children to protect them against pneumococcal disease. It is typically given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Older children and adults who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease may also receive the vaccine.
HPV
The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause various cancers and genital warts. HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection, and many people who are infected with HPV do not have any symptoms, which means they can spread the infection unknowingly.
There are three HPV vaccines available: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, as well as several other types of HPV that can cause cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx. Gardasil 9 protects against an additional five types of HPV that are associated with cancer and genital warts. Cervarix protects against HPV types 16 and 18 only.
The HPV vaccine is usually given in two or three doses, depending on the age at which it is started. For individuals under the age of 15, two doses are usually given six to 12 months apart. For individuals aged 15 to 45, three doses are typically given over a period of six months.
ROTARIX
The Rotarix vaccine is recommended for all infants, as it is a safe and effective way to protect against a common and potentially serious illness. It is important to follow the recommended dosing schedule to ensure that your child receives the full protection of the vaccine. In addition to vaccination, it is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, to help prevent the spread of rotavirus.
The Rotarix vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects include mild diarrhea, vomiting, and irritability. Serious side effects are rare, but may include an allergic reaction.
HEPATITIS A
The hepatitis A vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like all vaccines, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects include soreness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.
The hepatitis A vaccine is a vaccine that is designed to protect against hepatitis A, which is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person.
The hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose vaccine that is given to children and adults to help prevent infection. The first dose is typically given at 12 to 23 months of age, with the second dose given six to 18 months later. For adults, the vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart.