Thanks to vaccines, many infectious diseases that were once common are now rare or have been virtually eliminated in the United States. Without vaccinations, however, diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and other serious illnesses could reemerge at any time. The potential for new outbreaks is always a threat if you have not been vaccinated.

A wide variety of vaccines are available at Healthy Solutions:

Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV 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 water containing HAV. It is administered in one primary dose and one booster dose to healthy adults.
• Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It is administered in one primary dose and two booster doses to healthy adults 20 years and older.

Tdap / Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis

The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacteria illnesses: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Children are routinely vaccinated against pertussis, however, immunity wanes in 5 – 10 years leaving adolescents and adults vulnerable to infection. Tdap is recommended as a booster for adolescents, age 11 -12 and for all adults as well.

Pneumonia

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. It is a leading cause of vaccine preventable illness and death in the United States. It is recommended for adults 65 years or older and 19 to 64 year olds who smoke or have asthma and other at-risk groups.

TB / Tuberculin testing

The most commonly used diagnostic tool for tuberculosis is a simple skin test. A small amount of a substance called PPD tuberculin is injected just below the skin of your inside forearm. Within 48 to 72 hours, a health care professional will check your arm for swelling at the injection site. The size of the bump determines whether the test results are significant.

Additional Vaccinations

• Zoster – Shingles – It is recommended for adults 60 years and older.
• Meningitis - The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which is a serious bacterial illness. All 11-12 years olds should be vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). Now, a booster dose should be given at age 16 years. For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, a one-time booster dose should be administered, preferably at age 16 through 18 years, before the peak in increased risk. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MCV4 at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
• Travel vaccinations