Below is a list of the most common vaccines currently recommended for our patients. Click the link labeled [pdf] to learn more.
INFLUENZA VACCINE
Influenza vaccine is recommended yearly for all adults in the fall or winter. The vaccine may be given as soon as it becomes available. [pdf]
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccine recommended for all adults 65 and over. It is recommended that the pneumococcal 13 (Prevnar) vaccine be given first and then the pneumococcal 23 (Pneumovax) vaccine be given one year later. A pneumococcal 23 vaccine is also recommended for those younger than 65 who have chronic illness or risk factors such as heart, liver or lung disease including asthma, cigarette smoking, alcoholism, and people with cochlear implants. It is also recommended in those with highest risk of fatal pneumococcal infection (people without a spleen, people with an immuno-compromised condition such as HIV infection or leukemia or lymphoma, or those on chronic steroid medication). A pneumococcal 13 vaccine is recommended in those less than age 65 if they have an immunocompromising condition or anatomical or functional asplenia.
The recommended schedule to receive the pneumococcal 23 vaccination is to get one (1) dose if first vaccination is at age 65 or older. If the first dose was given prior to age 65, current age is 65 or over, and 5 years has elapsed since dose #1 then a 2nd vaccination is indicated. [pdf]
TETANUS / DIPHTHERIA OR TETANUS / DIPHTHERIA / PERTUSSIS VACCINES
Td (Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine) or Tdap (Tetanus-diphtheria-a cellular Pertussis vaccine) is recommended in all people who lack written documentation of a primary series consisting of at least 3 doses of tetanus- and diphtheria-toxoid-containing vaccines. Tdap vaccine is recommended in adults younger than 65 who have not received Tdap and in those 65 and over who have contact with infants younger than 12 months. Adults 65 and over may receive the vaccine whether they have contact with infants or not. Td vaccine is recommended every 10 years [pdf]
SHINGRIX VACCINE
Zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for adults 60 and over if unvaccinated regardless of history of chickenpox or shingles. [pdf]
MMR VACCINE
MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine) is recommended for people born in 1957 or later if there is no lab evidence of immunity or documentation of dose given on or after 1st birthday. People in high risk groups such as healthcare personnel and students entering college and international travelers should receive a total of 2 doses. Women of childbearing age who don’t have evidence of rubella immunity or vaccination should receive the vaccine. [pdf]
VARICELLA VACCINE
Varicella (Chicken pox) vaccine is recommended for those adults without evidence of immunity (evidence of immunity can be based on health care provider diagnosis of varicella disease or herpes zoster, history of receiving 2 doses of varicella vaccine or lab evidence of immunity). [pdf]
HEPATITIS A VACCINE
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis A infection. It is recommended for people who travel or work anywhere except US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. It is recommended for those with chronic liver disease, drug users, men who have sex with men, people who receive clotting factor concentrates. [pdf]
HEPATITIS B VACCINE
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to be protected from hepatitis B infection. It’s also recommended for household contacts and sexual partners of those who are HBsAg-positive, sexually active people not in long-term mutually monogamous relationships, men who have sex with men, diabetics younger than 60, healthcare personnel and public safety workers who are exposed to blood, staff working with developmentally disabled, certain international travelers, and people with chronic liver disease. [pdf]
POLIO VACCINE
Polio vaccine is recommended only in people who intend to travel to areas where exposure to wild-type virus is likely. [pdf]
HPV VACCINE
HPV vaccine is recommended in men through age 21 and women through age 26 not previously vaccinated.HP Cervarix [pdf]
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
Vaccines are available that can help prevent meningococcal disease(https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/), which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States:
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (Menactra® and Menveo®)
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (Bexsero® and Trumenba®)
All 11 to 12 year olds should be vaccinated with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose is recommended at age 16 years. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) also may be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. In certain situations, other children and adults could be recommended to get meningococcal vaccines.
Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about meningococcal vaccines. [pdf] [pdf]
Contact your insurance company regarding coverage for the above vaccinations.
For more information regarding adult vaccines, see these websites:
Adult Immunization Schedule [pdf]
CDC – Vaccines
Vaccine Information
CDC – Travel_Vaccines
Immunization Schedules – American Academy of Family Physicians
