Things to Know About the Measles Outbreak

If you’ve spent any time at all on Facebook or Twitter lately, you’ve undoubtedly come across a multitude of people talking about measles. Some people are more tactful about sharing their views about vaccinations than others. No matter what your personal viewpoint happens to be, there are some things you should know about the measles outbreak. There is a measles outbreak going on. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there were at least 102 reported cases of measles in 14 states as of February 1, 2015. CDC Director Tom Frieden warns that the United States could see a … Continue reading →

Print This! Vaccination Schedule for Children

Wondering what shots you can expect at your child’s next well visit or check up? Here is a list of the most common vaccinations given along with the recommended ages of when children should receive them. It is a vaccination schedule you can print and take with you to your pediatrician’s office. While most children will follow this shot schedule, keep in mind that your individual child’s health profile may require different guidelines for vaccination. You may have the option to combine vaccines or have them administered separately. This information is taken from www.cdc.gov/vaccines/chedules/index.html. Hepatitis B Three inoculations Birth 1-2 … Continue reading →

Time to Get Your Flu Shot

I am a big believer in flu shots. Every year, I sign myself, my kids and my husband up for this important inoculation. While last year was one of the mildest flu seasons on record, don’t expect the same for this year. Two new flu strains have emerged, and fortunately, this year’s vaccine is ready to get you protected. While a flu shot is now recommended for almost everyone over the age of six months, studies show that many people are still reluctant to get their. In fact only about 52 percent of children and just 39 percent of adults … Continue reading →

Here Comes the Vaccine Patch

Does your heart break every time you bring your little one in for a vaccine? Soon you may be able to skip the needles altogether, along with the screams and the mommy (or daddy) guilt. Several research companies are working on alternatives to the normal vaccine delivery by needle. One of the most promising products consists of a gel patch that parents would receive in the mail. Once received in the mail, the parent would apply the patch to a little one’s back, where it will deliver the vaccine painlessly before dissolving. It does pierce the skin through a series … Continue reading →

The Bad News about the Shingles Vaccine

I know I am getting old now because I am starting to worry about shingles, the painful rash and blister disease that is a reactivation of chickenpox. If you never get chickenpox, you will never have shingles, but I did and now I am concerned. Years ago, I thought shingles was something old people got. But, now that I am narrowing in on 50, it seems all too real a possibility. I was glad to hear there is a vaccine now to help prevent you from getting shingles. But, there is bad news too. While the vaccine Zostavax has reduced … Continue reading →

New Five-in-One Vaccine Approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new combination vaccine for children. The combination vaccine covers five different diseases — and could reduce the number of shots needed for infants by as much as a third. The combination vaccine is known as Pentacel and is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur. It is a four-dose vaccine series that protects against five different diseases: Diphtheria Tetanus Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) Polio Influenza type B Pentacel is safe for children two months of age and older. Most childhood vaccines are completed before the age of eighteen months. The U.S. Food … Continue reading →

Vaccine Fact and Fiction

Feeling hesitant about your own (or your child’s) vaccinations? Only one of the following three popular beliefs about vaccinations is true. Mercury in vaccines can accumulate in the body. The flu vaccine can actually cause the flu. People can have allergic reactions to vaccines. Do you know which one is true? It’s the third one — allergic reactions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, out of one million vaccines given, only ONE vaccine will cause a severe allergic reaction or death. Mild allergic reactions are slightly more common. If you do experience a reaction to a vaccine, a … Continue reading →

Vaccines That Grown-Ups May Miss

Immunization isn’t just for childhood. In fact, immunization experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control say that some childhood vaccines may not last a lifetime. Here are a few vaccinations that may need a booster. Tetanus — you should be getting a tetanus booster every year. Now you also have the option of extra protection in the form of the Tdap booster, which also includes protection against whooping cough and diphtheria. Pertussis (whooping cough) has been making a comeback over the last twenty years — more than twenty-five thousand cases were reported in the U.S. in 2005. CDC experts … Continue reading →

Recommended Vaccines For Adults

Regular immunizations have virtually wiped out diseases that used to cause serious problems in the general population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend several vaccinations for adults. Tetanus/Diphtheria (also known as Td) — protects against tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria. The initial vaccination is a three dose series. The first dose now, the second dose four weeks later, and the third dose six to twelve months after the second. Adults also need a booster shot every ten years or so. Influenza (also known as the flu shot) — a yearly vaccination to protect against the flu. Recommended for adults over … Continue reading →

What If We Stopped Immunizations?

In the United States, vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once harmed or killed many people. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and can be passed on to people who have not been immunized. Diseases that are preventable have many effects on society as a whole: sick children miss school, which can force parents to take off from work. Visits to the doctor’s office are usually necessary. Vaccine-preventable diseases may also result in hospitalization, permanent disability, or even death. Do you really know the impact these vaccine-preventable diseases could have? The polio … Continue reading →