Immunizations

Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory disease. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.

Who should get vaccinated?

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that can cause fever, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). It is spread by the consumption of contaminated food or water and through occupational or personal contact with infected animals and humans. It is not a lifelong disease.
Who should get vaccinated?
People who are at high risk or those who travel to infected areas.

Hepatitis B

A serious viral disease that attacks the liver. The virus can cause short and long term illnesses leading to liver damage, liver cancer, and possible death. It's spread through contact with blood or body fluids.
Who should get vaccinated?
People who are at high risk or those who travel to infected areas.

HPV/Cervical Cancer

Gardasil® Vaccine
Some types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer or genital warts. Cervical cancer affects about 10,000 women each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, and is expected to lead to approximately 3,700 deaths this year.
Who should get vaccinated?
Females 9 to 26 years of age seeking the prevention of cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, and genital warts. Gardasil may also be given to males ages 9 to 26 years to reduce their likelihood of acquiring genital warts. Prescriptions are needed for girls and boys 9 to 13 years old.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Measles causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage. Mumps virus causes fever, headache, and swollen glands. It can lead to deafness or meningitis. Rubella virus causes rash, mild fever, and arthritis.
Who should get vaccinated?
Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine. The first at 12 to 15 months of age. The second at 4 to 6 years of age.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria and viruses. It's relatively rare but potentially fatal. Infection can progress to death within 24 to 48 hours or lead to permanent disabilities.
Who should get vaccinated?
All 7th graders and first time students entering college (regardless if they live on campus or not), those traveling to areas where they will be at risk for disease, and those who don't have a spleen.

Pneumonia

Pneumococcal disease can cause infections of the lung (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), and the brain (meningitis). This disease can be prevented by receiving a pneumonia vaccine.
Who should get vaccinated?
Adults age 65 and older or anyone who smokes or has a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease should ask their doctor or healthcare professional about the pneumonia vaccine.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

A painful rash caused by the Varicella zoster virus (chicken pox). It occurs in people who have had chicken pox and is a reactivation of the dormant virus, often many years after the initial infection. Shingles is contagious and may itself cause chicken pox.
Who should get vaccinated?
Adults 50 years of age or older seeking the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles).
Shingrix® Vaccine now available
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles. The CDC recommends 2 doses of Shingrix for all healthy adults age 50 and older. Adults who previously received another shingles vaccine, Zostavax®, should also receive 2 doses of Shingrix.

Tetanus, Diphtheria

Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body, including locking of the jaw. Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat, which can lead to breathing problems.
Who should get vaccinated?
Adults 19 to 64 should substitute Tdap for one booster of Td.

Tetanus, Diphtheria Pertussis (Tdap)

Tetanus is a severe infection that's not contagious but can be fatal if untreated. It's caused by bacteria which and can enter the bloodstream through a wound such as those caused by nails, splinters, or insect bites. Diphtheria is a contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with an infected person, usually via coughing or sneezing. Like tetanus, it can be fatal if untreated or can cause severe damage to the nerves and heart. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease that can cause death. This disease is most severe among children younger than 5 years old.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone should have a tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years. All adolescents and adults ages 11 through 64 years who have not received a dose of Tdap (replaces one booster dose) or whose vaccination status is unknown should receive a single dose of Tdap as soon as feasible. Adults age 65 years and older who have not previously received Tdap, and who have or who anticipate having close contact with a child younger than age 12 months, should receive a single dose of Tdap to reduce the likelihood of transmitting pertussis to an infant. All healthcare workers, regardless of age, should receive a single dose of Tdap as soon as feasible if they have not previously received Tdap and regardless of the time since the last dose of Td.

Varicella

Varicella (also called chickenpox) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults. Varicella causes a rash, itching, fever and tiredness. It can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage or even become fatal. Varicella can be spread from person to person through the air, or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. The Varicella vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Most people who get the Varicella vaccine will not get chickenpox; however, if someone who has been vaccinated does get chickenpox, it is usually very mild. They will have fewer blisters, are less likely to have a fever and will recover faster.
Who should get vaccinated?
Children who have never had chickenpox should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine at these ages: 1st Dose: 12 to 15 months of age; 2nd Dose: 4 to 6 years of age (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the 1st dose). For children ages 12 months through 12 years, the minimum interval between doses is 3 months; for people age 13 years and older, the minimum interval is 4 weeks.