Adult Vaccines

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is found in the stool of persons with Hepatitis A. It is usually spread by close personal contact and sometimes by eating food or drinking contaminated water.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease that also affects the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Acute illness can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness, jaundice, and pain in the muscles, joints and stomach. Chronic infection can lead to liver damage, liver cancer and even death.

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.

Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections.

Pneumococcal is an infection of streptococcus pneumonia bacteria that can cause illness and death. It is spread through close personal contact person to person. PVC13 is given to adults 50 years and over and the pneumococcal 23 is given to adults 65 years and over. One shot a life time is recommended unless ordered by the physician.

Rabies is caused by a virus. It is mainly a disease of animals. Humans get rabies when bitten by infected animals.

Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It is called Herpes Zoster or just Zoster. A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are three serious diseases caused by bacteria. Tetanus causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness. Tetanus kills 1 out of 5 people who are infected. Diphtheria leads to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing spells which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. TDAP is recommended at ages 11-12 as a booster, but can be given as early as 7 years old. Pregnant persons, health care workers, adults over the age of 65, and people who expect to have close contact with a baby younger than 12 months of age should get vaccinated to protect the baby from pertussis.

Twinrix is a combination vaccine for both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Three doses are required as an adult.