Age Screening Tests Immunizations

* Pentacel is a combination vaccine containing DTaP, Hib, and IPV

Immunizations

DTaP* – The DTaP shot protects against 3 different illnesses. These include Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (whooping cough). All three diseases cause breathing problems which can lead to death. The “a” stands for acellular, and this newer formulation of vaccine does not cause the fever and fussiness that the older vaccine would cause. This is a series of 5 shots. This vaccine is even more effective when given as Pentacel (a combination vaccine containing DTaP, Hib, and IPV) as our office does.

Haemophilus Influenza B (Hib)* - This vaccine protects against a type of bacteria which is one of the causes of meningitis and life threatening throat infections in young children. This is a series of 4 shots.

IPV* – This vaccination protects against polio disease, which causes paralysis and death. The inactivated polio vaccination is now routinely given in the United States immunization schedule. There is no risk of acquiring polio disease from this inactivated vaccine. Polio is still circulating in other parts of the world. This is a series of 4 shots.

*DTaP, Hib, and IPV are combined in a single vaccine called Pentacel

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B is a virus that causes chronic liver disease and liver cancer. This is a series of 3 shots. Some parents believe that tattoos and sexual activity are the only ways of transmitting the virus. This is not true. Young infants are at risk for acquiring the infection if they are born to a mother who is a carrier, live with an individual who is a carrier, any blood to blood contact such as a needle poke or cut with an infected individual, or if they are bitten by certain insects such as bed bugs which can transmit the disease. Infants are also much more susceptible to the infection than are adults. Infants who are exposed have a 90% chance of developing chronic liver disease while adults have only about a 10% chance.

Prevnar – This vaccination protects against serious diseases caused by the bacteria Strep pneumoniae. These include meningitis, pneumonia, sinus, and ear infections. It is a series of 4 shots beginning at 2 months of age. The vaccine was recently reformulated to protect against 13 of the most serious strains of this bacteria. Side effects are minimal, and include fever, crankiness, and redness at the injection site.

MMR – This vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). Measles disease causes a rash, but can also cause pneumonia, seizures, and death. Mumps disease causes swollen glands in the jaws, hearing loss, and meningitis. Rubella causes mild infection in children. However, if an unimmunized pregnant women gets the disease, it causes the fetus to have mental retardation, deafness, and blindness.

Because this a “live-attenuated” vaccine, some children with immune defects cannot be immunized. This is a series of 2 shots.

Side effects commonly seen are fever and or a flat red rash 1-2 weeks after vaccination.

Varicella – This vaccine protects against the chickenpox. Chickenpox disease causes a rash, but can also cause pneumonia, brain damage, and death.

The vaccine has significantly reduced the number of cases and severity of chickenpox disease since its introduction in 1995. The vaccine is given at the age of 12 months and repeated at the age of 3 to 4.

Hepatitis A – This is a vaccine which protects your child from a virus which can cause severe liver damage. The virus is spread by close personal contact and can also be found on food products. The vaccine is a two part vaccine, and doses are usually given at 12 months and 18 months.

RotaTeq - This is a vaccine that prevents against a virus which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in young infants. This infection is the leading causes of death in young infants around the world because the diarrhea can be severe. The vaccine is given by mouth at the ages of 2, 4, and 6 months. Side effects include mild stomach upset, bloating, and loose stools for 1-2 days.

Menactra – This is a vaccine that is usually given to adolescents before they enter college. It protects against a type of meningitis which can cause severe illness or even death.

Tdap (Boostrix or Adacel) – This is a vaccine that is given to adolescents around the age of 11 to 12. It protects them from tetanus as well as pertussis (whooping cough).

Gardasil - This is a vaccine which protects against the Human Papilloma Virus, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for women ages 11 to 26 years of age. It is a series of three shots. It is also FDA approved for men ages 11 to 26. Young men may also choose to receive the vaccine which helps prevent penile cancer and reduce the transmission of virus.

Influenza - This is a vaccine that protects against influenza. It is usually administered starting in early October and can be given to children as young as 6 months. There are several types of immunization against influenza, so ask your provider which is best for your child.