Vaccines

Vaccines are an important means to help avoid serious illness…even for adults.  We encourage appropriate vaccination as a part of healthcare maintenance, and for those patients for whom we provide primary care, we will provide the vaccine here.  For most patients TEG is a source for consultative care and a Primary Care Provider (PCP) is in a different office.  Vaccines should be discussed with the PCP, wherever that provider may be.  Special considerations may be needed if you are (or think you might be) pregnant, so be sure to discuss this with your PCP if appropriate.

What vaccines are available?

• Tetanus-diptheria booster:  once every 10 years, but if not received before, T-dap can be given regardless of the interval since Td.  This provides protection against pertussis (the bacteria that causes whooping cough) as well.  There are over 25,000 cases of whooping cough per year in the United States, and the incidence is rising.  Household contacts are responsible for 83% of transmission to infants, and is the result of waning immunity.  2011 vaccine schedules extend coverage to those over 65 if they will have contact with babies.
• Varicella:  For all adults with no evidence of immunity.  Two doses at least 4 weeks apart.  If you have had chicken pox or shingles, or were born before 1980 you don’t need this vaccine.  Contraindicated in pregnancy.
• Zoster:  To help prevent shingles in those who have experienced Chicken Pox previously.  For individuals over 50 years old.  One dose.
• MMR (Measels, Mumps, Rubella):  If you were born before 1957 you are almost certainly immune and do not need this vaccine.  One dose for most people, but a 2nd is advised for heath-care workers or individuals planning international travel.  Contraindicated in pregnancy.
• Influenza:  one dose annually.  Most get an inactivated vaccine.  An alternative is Flu-Mist, a live, attenuated vaccine which is for non-pregnant individuals who have no illness that would cause severe compromise of immune function. Diabetes would not be a contraindication.
• Pneumococcal vaccine:  This prevents infection with the most common strains of the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia.  Advised for individuals over 65 and at any age for patients with diabetes or other chronic medical problems.  A 2nd dose is advised 5 years later for those most immunocompromised (that does not include diabetes), unless the 1st dose was given after age 65.  There is never an indication for a 3rd vaccine.

There are other vaccines available, including, but not limited to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Meningococcal vaccine, HPV, and Haemophilus influenza type b.  Please discuss them with your PCP, especially if you are planning travel outside the US.

For more information, visit an excellent web site at  www.myvaccineRESOURCE.COM