Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Hepatitis A (HAV) - is a serious liver disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis A is found in the stool of an infected person. It is typically spread by close personal contact and by eating contaminated food or drinking water. The vaccine is commonly recommended for travel but is also widely given as a routine immunization. It is a series of 2 injections given over a 6-12 month period of time.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B (HBV) - is a serious infection of the liver caused by a virus. Some people develop chronic HBV disease that can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. The disease is typically transmitted sexually but can be passed through all body secretions. The virus is virulent (hard to kill) and even lives in dried secretions on inanimate objects up to seven days. The virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV.

There is a vaccine to protect against the hepatitis B virus. It is commonly recommended for travel but is also widely given as a routine immunization. The vaccine series is 3 injections given over a 6 month span of time.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the US. It causes genital warts and cervical cancer.

There is a vaccine available that protects against 4 major types of HPV and is recommended for woman through age 26. The vaccine series consists of 3 injections given over a 6 month period of time.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/default.htm

Meningitis

Meningitis - meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by either bacteria or a virus. The disease is typically transmitted via air droplets of respiratory secretions and direct contact with an infected person - sharing items such as cigarettes, drinking glasses or through intimate contact.

The American College Health Association recommends that undergraduate college students, particularly those living in dormitories or other group settings, consider getting the vaccine to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease. Besides college students, the vaccine is frequently recommended for travelers to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

The meningococcal vaccine has been shown to provide protection against the most common strains of bacterial disease; serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. It gives no protection against viral meningitis.

There are two vaccines distributed in the US; the newer one, Menactra, licensed in 2005, gives 5 years of protection, and Menomune which gives 3-5 years of protection. Both vaccines give protection against the same bacteria strains and both provide protection with one dose.

http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html
http://www.acha.org/projects_programs/meningitis/index.cfm

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis - are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter the body through a cut or wound. Diptheria and pertussis are airborne diseases most commonly transmitted by people coughing and sneezing.

Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine has been used for many years as a booster (supplemental dose) for adolescents and adults. It does not contain pertussis.

Td vaccine is typically given to adolescents and adults every 10 years. Under some circumstances, such as a dirty wound or travel to developing nations, an additional dose may be recommended if it has been 5 years since the last dose of vaccine.

Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), was licensed in 2005 for ages 19 through 64. Tdap, is similar to Td, but also containing protection against pertussis. A once only dose of Tdap, over Td, is recommended when it comes time for a booster dose or if 5 years have passed since the last dose of Td vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/default.htm

Varicella (chickenpox)

Varicella (chickenpox) - is a common childhood virus that is very contagious. It is typically spread by coughing and sneezing and by direct contact with the lesions. It is usually a mild disease but can have serious complications for infants and adults. Anyone who has not received 2 doses of the vaccine or has not had the disease should be vaccinated.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/default.htm