We Carry All Vaccines in Stock – Walk-ins Welcome
Anthrax Vaccine
Anthrax is caused by the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria and comes in three forms; Inhalation Anthrax, Gastrointestinal Anthrax, and its most common form as a skin disease. The vaccine is given in five doses over the course of 18 months with an annual booster for as long as the person being treated may be exposed to the bacteria. The vaccine is also recommended for people who have been exposed to the bacteria. With these cases the vaccine is given in three doses at quicker intervals. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are seen in 1 out of 100,000 people treated.
Influenza Vaccine
We carry the Influenza (“Flu”) Vaccine in our office. Since the influenza viruses are always changing, annual vaccination is recommended. There are two methods of vaccination. One where the patient receives an injection of the inactivated vaccine through a needle, and the other where the patient receives a spray of influenza vaccine in the nostrils. The best time to get vaccinated is in December.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and is usually spread through contaminated food and water. Infection can cause “flu-like” symptoms, jaundice, severe stomach pains and diarrhea. All children should get vaccinated within 12 to 23 months of age. Travelers going to certain parts of the world should also get vaccinated two months prior to departure.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is also a liver disease and it is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting, and jaundice among others. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer and cirrhosis. Usually people are treated with three – sometimes four – doses of the vaccine when they are babies. People who are allergic to yeast, or to any other component of the vaccine should not take it. Contact your doctor for more information.
HPV Vaccine
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Currently there is no cure. But the vaccine protects against 2-4 of the most common HPV viruses that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is given in three doses over six months.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine
JE is present in rural parts of Asia, is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, can cause brain damage and death. It can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and by receiving a vaccine. People who plan on spending at least a month in JE prone areas should receive the vaccine. It is given in a two-dose series over 28 days.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccines
Measles, Mumps and Rubella is spread through the air and is a serious disease. It can cause symptoms ranging from rash and cough to meningitis. Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, first between 12 and 15 months of age and again between four and six years of age. There is a combination vaccine which contains both MMR and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal Disease is the leading cause of Meningitis, the inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be treated with anti-biotics but this does not guarantee survival. The most effective way to treat the disease is to prevent it with a vaccine. There are two kinds: a vaccine for people up to 55 years of age, and another for people over 55. The vaccine can prevent four types of Meningococcal Disease. There are types of the disease that the vaccine does not prevent. The vaccine is given in two doses to children; first dose at the age of 11 or 12 and a booster at the age of 16.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
Pneumococcal Disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and is the leading cause of vaccine preventable illness and death in the United States. The disease can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine prevents 23 types of the disease and usually only needs to be given once.
Polio Vaccine
Although it has been eliminated in the United States, Polio is still present in some parts of the world. All it would take is one person who is infected to reintroduce the disease to the United States. That is why we continue vaccinating. The Inactivated Polio Vaccine is given through a series of four shots to children between 2 months and 6 years old. There is also an injectable booster for persons traveling abroad if their primary polio vaccine was completed 10 or more years ago.
Rabies Vaccine
Humans can get Rabies when they are bitten by an infected animal. Although rare in the United States, between 16,000 and 39,000 people are vaccinated each year as a precaution after an animal bite. There is a pre-exposure vaccination given in three doses over 28 days and an after exposure vaccination given in four doses over 14 days as well as Rabies Immune Globulin for those who were not vaccinated prior to an animal bite.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles (sometimes called Herpes Zoster or just Zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by Varicella Zoster, the same virus that causes Chickenpox. Only someone who has had Chickenpox or (very rarely) the chickenpox vaccine can get shingles. Shingles cannot be transmitted to another person. Zostavax is recommended for adults 60 plus, and Shingrix is recommended for adults over 50. Zostavax is one-dose, and Shingrix is two-doses. These vaccines help to either prevent or greatly reduce Shingles by 50-90%.
TD or Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria or Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis)
Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis are all caused by bacteria. These diseases used to be fairly common in the United States until the vaccine to prevent them was introduced. Most people receive the vaccine as children. Adults should receive a Tdap vaccine once in place of a regular tetanus/diptheria vaccine then boost every 10 years with the TD vaccine.
Typhoid Vaccine
Typhoid is caused by the smalmonella typhi bacteria and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is uncommon in the United States but it is found in other parts of the world. Travelers to places where Typhoid is present should get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines, one given through a shot and another given through a pill. One dose of the shot provides two-year’s immunity and the pill form of the vaccine provides five years immunity.
Chickenpox Vaccine
Also called Varicella, Chickenpox is usually a mild childhood disease. Children should be given the vaccine in two doses, one when they are 12-15 months of age and again when they are 4-6 years old or at least three months after the initial vaccination. There is a combination MMRV vaccine which contains both Varicella and MMR vaccines. It can be given to children 12 and under.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow Fever is found in parts of Africa and South America and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a serious disease, causing death in 20-50% of cases. Yellow Fever vaccine is given only at designated vaccination centers like Passport Health. After vaccination the patient receives a stamped and signed “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.” Travelers need this card to enter certain countries. Travelers should stay in well-screened areas, wear protective clothing, and use DEET repellent.
