Below is a quick overview of the vaccines and diseases they prevent. Before your child receives these vaccines we will give you Vaccine Information Sheets (VIS) which provide additional information.
Children’s Medical Group gives immunizations according to the current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. These guidelines may change as new vaccines are available depending on when immunizations are started. All of our routine vaccines are thimerisol-free.
Hepatitis B: This virus can cause infection at any age. It may lead to chronic infection of the liver and serious disease, especially if it is acquired during infancy or childhood; however, a child may not show signs of infection until years later when he or she develops liver cancer. Hepatitis B Virus is transmitted in several ways, including passage from mother to infant at time of birth. Children living in the same household with a Hepatitis B carrier are at risk, especially during the first 5 years of life. Hepatitis B Virus can spread through sexual intercourse or through contact with infected blood, such as when drug users share needles. The
Hepatitis B Vaccine has been available since 1982. It is administered intramuscularly at birth, 1mo and 6 mos, but there can be some flexibility of this schedule. More than 95% of children and adolescents develop adequate immunity following the recommended three doses. No serious reactions have been linked to this vaccine and side effects such as soreness at the injection site are mild.
back to top
Hepatitis A: This virus which is spread by close personal contact and by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the Hepatitis A Virus causes serious liver disease. Symptoms include a yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain and diarrhea. The
Hepatitis A Vaccine is recommended for those traveling to areas where Hepatitis A is prevalent (Central and South America, Mexico, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe), those who use street drugs and those who are treated with clotting factor concentrates. Children may be vaccinated beginning at 1 year of age then receive another dose 6 months later.
back to top
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis): Diphtheria is a serious infection characterized by the formation of membranes in the breathing tubes and toxins which can cause the heart muscle to fail. At least 1 out of 10 people who develop diphtheria will die. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw. The toxins from the germ cause muscle spasms that interfere with breathing, eating, etc. In infants it is often fatal and 6 out of 10 children with tetanus will die. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. It is characterized by spasms of extreme coughing which can lead to bleeding into the brain, convulsions, brain damage and pneumonia. Within 24 hours of receiving the DTaP Vaccine, your child may experience fever and irritability as well as pain and redness at the injection site. These reactions are normal and should last no more than 48 hours. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be given every 4 hours following the immunization.
back to top
HIB (Haemophilus Influenza Type B): This is a bacterium that can cause several types of dangerous infections in children. It is very different from the “flu”. Before the HIB Vaccine, Haemophilus b caused about 12,000 cases of meningitis each year in children younger than 5 years of age. About 1 in 4 of the children infected developed permanent brain damage. It can also cause epiglottitis and pneumonia.
back to top
Polio: Caused by a virus, polio destroys nerve cells that control muscular movement resulting in paralysis. If it involves the breathing center of the brain, death may occur. The Polio Vaccine is given as an injection and has few side effects. No polio has been reported in the U.S. for more than 20 years due to the success of the vaccine.
back to top
Pneumococcus: Pneumococcus is a streptococcal bacterium that can cause serious illness in children. Each year it causes 700 cases of meningitis, 17,000 blood infections and 5 million ear infections. These diseases can be hard to treat due to antibiotic resistance. The Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV-7) is well tolerated. Up to 3 out of 10 children may develop mild fever.
back to top
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella): These diseases are best known for the rashes (measles and rubella) and the glandular swelling (mumps) they produce. They may also cause serious medical complications. The MMR Vaccine is given on or after your child’s first birthday. Normal reactions may include rash and fever. These usually do not occur until 1-2 weeks after the vaccine is administered. Studies have shown there is NO link between the MMR Vaccine and autism.
back to top
Varicella: Also known as chickenpox, this is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but may cause significant illness. Licensed in 1995, the Varicella Vaccine is safe and effective. Immunization will prevent most children from getting chickenpox. If vaccinated children develop chickenpox, they generally have a much milder form of the disease.
back to top
Influenza: Each year the
Influenza Vaccine is “custom made” based on a prediction of which strains of the flu will be prevalent. The preferred time to administer the flu vaccine is in the fall months to allow time for immunity to develop before the flu season. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages vaccination of all children between 6 and 59 months of age. The flu vaccine is also recommended for all children and adults who have certain diseases that put them at risk of serious complications from the flu and for any close contact or caretaker of someone in a high-risk group. Children at high-risk for complications due to influenza include those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. Children who are allergic to eggs should not receive the flu vaccine.
back to top
Rotavirus: This is one of the most serious causes of severe diarrhea. It occurs mostly in babies and young children and can be accompanied by vomiting and fever. The
Rotavirus Vaccine is an oral vaccine that is about 98% effective against severe rotavirus diarrhea. About 74% do not get rotavirus diarrhea at all.
back to top
Meningococcal: The leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years in the U.S. is meningococcal disease. It can also cause blood infections. Of those infected with meningococcal disease, 1 out of every 10 people will die from it and many others will have lifetime effects. The
Meningococcal Vaccine is about 90% effective. It is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age, college freshmen living in dormitories, anyone who has a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed and older adolescents who want to decrease the risk of meningococcal disease.
back to top
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV can cause cervical cancer in women as well as genital warts. There are about 40 different types of HPV. More than 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at sometime in their lives. The
HPV Vaccine protects against 4 major types of HPV including 2 types that cause about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is a 3-dose series recommended for girls 11-12 years of age, preferably before their first sexual contact since they would not have been exposed to HPV.
back to top
