Vaccine Types

Hepatitis A
What is it?
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) a serious disease that causes liver inflammation, which can cause fatigue, itching, loss of appetite, fever and vomiting. It is spread most often through contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact with the stool of an infected person.
Why is it important?
Many people think the only way to contract hepatitis A is through sexual contact or drinking contaminated water, but these methods of transmission are actually rare. A child could contract the disease when a person with hepatitis A does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom and touches other objects or food. There are about 100,000 hepatitis A infections in the U.S. every year.
Many hepatitis A outbreaks originate with poor food handling. In 2008, several restaurants in San Diego, CA, were sources of a hepatitis A outbreak resulting in 400 people becoming ill.
Progress
According to The History of Vaccines, there were 22,000-36,000 reported cases of hepatitis A between 1980 and 1995 in the United States. In 2007, after routine use of hepatitis A vaccine, there were just 2,979 reported cases of hepatitis A in the United States.
Other countries have also seen success as a result of hepatitis A immunization. In Israel, a universal vaccination program led to a 95 percent reduction in hepatitis A incidence.
Vaccine Recommendations
It is recommended that children receive their first dose between 12-23 months of age, although the vaccine can be given at later visits. The second dose of vaccine should be given at least 6 months following the first dose.
Side Effects
Most people do not have any problems with the hepatitis A vaccine. Severe allergic reactions are believed to occur about once in 1.1 million doses.
Mild problems may include:
- Soreness where the shot was given (up to about 1 person 4)
- Temperature of 99.9°F or higher (up to about 1 person in 15).
Influenza
Influenza![]()
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral upper respiratory illness. Flu may be complicated by other risk factors, including pneumonia. [+] more
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B![]()
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the liver and is primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. Acute HBV infection can lead to chronic HBV and liver damage. [+] more
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Polio
Polio![]()
Poliomyselitis (polio) is an extremely contagious viral infection that affects the nerve cells of the brain stem and spinal cord and can lead to paralysis. [+] more
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Diphtheria
Diphtheria![]()
Diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory illness that causes a thick covering in the back of the throat, leading to breathing problems, paralysis, or heart failure. [+] more
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Rotavirus
Rotavirus![]()
Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive track, and is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children. [+] more
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Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal![]()
Pneumococcal bacteria live in noses and throats of people of all ages. Pneumococcus can infect the middle ear, sinuses, lungs, central nervous system and bloodstream. [+] more
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Measles
Measles![]()
Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms. [+] more
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Mumps
Mumps![]()
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect many parts of the body. The hallmark sign of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands. [+] more
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Rubella
Rubella![]()
Rubella (German measles) is a contagious viral disease that can cause fever, rash, swollen glands and arthritis. Infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. [+] more
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Tetanus
Tetanus![]()
Tetanus (Lockjaw) is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes painful tightening of the muscles all over the body. It is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. [+] more
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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)![]()
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease. Pertussis causes violent coughing spells that make it hard to eat, drink or breathe, and is especially severe in young infants. [+] more
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Chickenpox
Chickenpox![]()
Varicella (Chickenpox) is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a blistering rash that can cover the entire body. Complications include skin infections, pneumonia and brain swelling. [+] more
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A![]()
Hepatitis A (HAV) virus attacks the liver, and is spread through stool of an infected person by direct contact or by contaminated food or drink. [+] more
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Meningococcal
Meningococcal![]()
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (bacterial meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicemia), and requires immediate medical attention. [+] more
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Hib
Hib![]()
Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacterium can infect a child’s skin, joints, bones and ears. Hib can lead to a variety of infections including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. [+] more
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HPV
HPV![]()
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital areas of males and females. A few types can lead to cervical and other cancers. [+] more
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