Healthy Living: Vaccination Resource Guide

Vaccinations protect people from diseases that were dangerous and fatal just a few decades ago. While many vaccinations are given to children starting in infancy, a few are given later in life, such as during the teenage years. Adults who did not receive certain vaccines as children may want to get themselves vaccinated as a precaution. Some vaccinations are given to people who are traveling internationally, as the risk for some diseases is very small in the US. As a few vaccines wear off over a period of time, it is important that people receive periodic boosters to keep themselves safe and healthy.

DTaP

The DTap vaccine protects against three formerly common childhood diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, also called whooping cough. It is recommended for all children in the US. The vaccine is given over the course of five injections, usually starting at the age of two months and continuing until the child is between four and six years of age. Protection does wear off over time, so it is recommended that a booster shot be given around 11 years of age and then every decade through adulthood.

• Your Child's Immunizations - Information on all the vaccinations recommended for young children, from Nemours' Kids Health.
• DTaP Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to commonly asked questions about the DTaP vaccine from the Washington state Department of Health.
• DTaP Immunization - Description of the vaccine from the National Institutes of Health. Includes a description of common side effects.
• The DTap Vaccine - Information on the three diseases the vaccine protects against.
• Pertussis and Pertussis Vaccine - General information on pertussis, or whooping cough.

Hepatitis A and B

Hepatitis generally refers to swelling in the liver. The condition can be caused by viruses, such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B or it can be caused by damage to the liver from alcohol abuse or medications. Vaccines are available to protect against both hepatitis A and B. Initially, hepatitis A vaccinations were given to people who were traveling to countries where the disease is common. It is now given to almost all children, starting at least one year of age, as is the vaccine for hepatitis B. Two or three doses of the vaccine are needed for protection.

• Hepatitis A Vaccine - An explanation of hepatitis A and its symptoms as well as information on the vaccine, from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
• Hepatitis A Vaccine: What You Need to Know (PDF) - Fact sheet on the vaccine for Hepatitis A from the Centers for Disease Control.
• Hepatitis A - Article from the World Health Organization discussing the virus and its public health impact.
• Hepatitis B - Information on the vaccine for Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine for Diabetics Recommendation - News story on the new as of 2012 recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for people with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Meningitis

Meningitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or a fungus that infects the tissues and fluids surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It is a very contagious disease in some cases. While meningitis is treatable, it can be deadly if not caught in time. Vaccinations protect people against bacterial forms of the disease. The meningitis vaccine is given to children starting at nine months.

• Meningitis - Overview of the disease from the UC Davis Health Center.
• Meningitis Prevention - A list of ways the disease can be prevented, including vaccination.
• Meningitis Risk Factors - A discussion of risk factors for the disease, from the Mayo Clinic.
• Meningitis Vaccine - Information for parents on the vaccine for meningitis.
• State Law Mandates Student Meningitis Vaccinations - News article on a recent law requiring students in Texas to get the vaccine.

Polio

Polio is an incurable disease caused by a virus. It was once a common childhood illness but is now controlled in first world countries by a vaccine that is given to children starting at the age of two months. A total of four doses are needed for the vaccine to be effective. Usually, the protection offered by the vaccine lasts for life.

• Poliomyelitis Symptoms - A list of symptoms caused by polio.
• Polio and Prevention - An article discussing the effects of the disease and ways to prevent it from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
• Polio Vaccine - Information on the vaccine and when it should be administered.
• Jonas Salk - Biography of Jonas Salk, the inventor of the vaccine for polio.

Hib

The Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine, or Hib, protects against several diseases caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. These diseases include certain types of pneumonia, meningitis, and epiglottitis, an infection in the throat. The vaccine is given to children starting at two months of age. Usually, children receive four doses, with the last dose occurring before age six.

• Hib Vaccine - Overview of the Hib vaccination from the University of Maryland Medical Center.
• New Hib Vaccine Now Available to Ease Hib Vaccine Shortage - Article on the development of a new vaccine to deal with a shortage of the older version.
• Hib Outbreak Kills Unvaccinated Child - Article from WebMD emphasizing the importance of vaccinations to protect children.
• Hib In Short - Brief description of the diseases the vaccine protects against.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox, once a very common childhood disease, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. A vaccine is now available to protect children against the disease. As the disease is particularly dangerous for older children and adults, those who have not had chickenpox should also get the vaccine. Usually, the vaccine is recommended for children beginning at one year of age.

• Varicella (Chickenpox) - Discusses the symptoms of the disease as well as treatment and prevention.
• Chickenpox - Information from the Illinois Department of Health on chickenpox and the chickenpox vaccination.
• Chickenpox Fact Sheet - Basic fact sheet from the NY Dept. of Health on the disease and its vaccine.

Measles and Mumps

The MMR vaccine, or measles, mumps, rubella, is usually given to children between the ages of 12 and 15 months, then again between the ages of four and six years. The vaccination provides protection for people throughout the rest of their lives against the three diseases. The MMR vaccine uses a live form of the viruses to develop a person's immune system and provide protection against illness. In some cases, the MMR vaccine is combined with the vaccination for chickenpox.

• Mumps - Information on mumps, including symptoms, causes and treatments.
• Mumps Vaccines  - Discusses the vaccine for mumps over the years, as well as its effectiveness and who should receive it.
• Measles Cases Rise After Decade of Decline  - Article from the NY Daily News on the rise of measles cases due to fewer vaccinations.
• Measles - Overview of measles, including symptoms, treatments and vaccinations.