Immunizations

One of the primary focus points of our clinic is the importance of preventive health issues. Although we are unable to present every aspect of preventive health options that are currently recommended, here are some of the most prominent.

Immunizations

Immunizations continue to be one of the cornerstones of modern medicine. We certainly respect any patient or parent who decides to forgo immunizations, but as health care providers, we believe in their effectiveness. The following is a brief summary of some of the vaccines that are currently available:

Gardisil (HPV vaccine): recommend for children and young women to help prevent cervical cancer. Three shot series.

Hepatitis A: recommended for children and select adults. This is the kind of hepatitis that you can get by eating out in a restaurant. Two shot series.

Hepatitis B: recommended for children and select adults. This is primarily transferred by bodily fluids. Three shot series.

Hib: recommended for children to prevent a specific bacteria that can cause serious infections.

Influenza (flu vaccine): recommended to children, select adults and those over 65 years old to prevent the “respiratory flu.” Typically given in the Fall and Winter months.

IPV (polio vaccine): recommend in children to prevent polio.

Meningicoccal (meningitis vaccine): recommended for adolescents and young adults to prevent meningitis.

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella): recommended to children to prevent these illnesses.

Prevnar (pneumonia vaccine): recommended for children to prevent the bacteria that can cause ear/sinus infections and pneumonia.

Pneumovax: recommended for select adults and people over 65 years old, to prevent a specific type of bacteria that can cause serious infections.

RotaTeq (rota virus vaccine): recommended in infants to prevent the “stomach flu.”

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough):  recommended for children and adults. Now available in a combination vaccine for periodic boosters.

Varicella (Chicken Pox): recommended for children and those who have not had the illness. Two shot series.

Zostivax (shingles vaccine): recommended for older adults to prevent shingles.

For current immunization guidelines, please visit: www.cdc.gov