Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Vaccines

Answered: What is tetanus?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:31:52 +0000

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by a wound or cut. It affects the brain and nervous system and causes extremely painful muscle spasms. Spasms of the jaw can make it impossible for you to open your mouth. This condition is often called "lockjaw." Tetanus kills one out of five people infected with the disease.

Answered: When should adults be vaccinated with Tdap?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:31:11 +0000

The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for all adults ages 19 and older who have never received the vaccine, especially:

Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
Caregivers of infants under 1 year old, including parents, grandparents, and babysitters
Pregnant women in their third trimester (ideally 27th through 36th week), even if they have previously received Tdap vaccine; this can protect a newborn from whooping cough in the first months of life.
New mothers who have never received the Tdap
People who travel to countries where pertussis is common

Answered: How common is pertussis?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:30:03 +0000

Pertussis is the only vaccine-preventable disease that continues to rise in the U.S. Before 2005, only young children could receive the pertussis vaccine. Waning immunity and inadequate vaccination -- many parents choose not to vaccinate their children -- have led to a resurgence of the disease in the U.S. in recent years. Outbreaks of pertussis among adolescents and adults have been reported in several states.

Answered: When should I get the Tdap vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:29:09 +0000

You may be given the Tdap vaccine if you have a severe cut or burn and have never received a dose before. Severe cuts or burns raise your risk of getting tetanus.

The Tdap vaccine can be given any time of the year. Only one shot is needed. It may be given with other vaccinations. Tdap can be given regardless of the interval since the last Td vaccine was given.

The Tdap vaccine can be used safely for those ages 65 and over, according to 2013 CDC recommendations.

Answered: What's in a tetanus shot?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:23:31 +0000

The vaccines are made up of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis toxins that have been made nontoxic but still have the ability to create an immune response. These vaccines don't contain live bacteria.

Answered: What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:22:25 +0000

You might notice:

Symptoms often begin around a week after infection. But this may range from three days to three weeks or even longer. The most common symptom is a stiff jaw, which can become locked. This is how the disease came to be called lockjaw. If not you don't treat tetanus, it can cause death from suffocation.

Headache
Muscle stiffness, starting in the jaw, then the neck and the arms, legs, or abdomen
Trouble swallowing
Restlessness and irritability
Sweating and fever
Palpitations and high blood pressure
Muscle spasms in the face, causing a strange-looking steady smile or grin

Answered: Can pregnant women get a tetanus shot?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:21:46 +0000

Yes. In fact, current guidelines recommend that women receive a Tdap vaccine each time they get pregnant, specifically to prevent pertussis. Wait to get the vaccine if you have a moderate to severe acute illness.

Answered: Can you prevent tetanus?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:20:52 +0000

The tetanus vaccine has made tetanus a preventable disease. Thanks to its widespread use, lockjaw has become very rare in the U.S. Even so, many adults in the U.S. need to be vaccinated against tetanus because there is no cure and 10% to 20% of victims will die.

Answered: What are the side effects of a tetanus shot?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:20:16 +0000

Sometimes the vaccine can cause mild side effects. These may include:

Soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection
Fever
Headache or body aches
Fatigue

Answered: What are the side effects and risks of Tdap and Td vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:18:53 +0000

Like all medicines, vaccines can have side effects. However, the chance of a life-threatening reaction is small. The CDC says the dangers of developing pertussis, tetanus, or diphtheria far outweigh the risks of vaccination.

Answered: Should I get a yellow fever vaccine before I travel to India?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:18:09 +0000

Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquito bite. It's not a major concern for people traveling in India, but it's important to know that when you get to India you may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination if you visited a country with risk of yellow fever before your arrival in India.

Without that proof, you may be quarantined for up to six days when you first arrive. Yellow fever is mostly found in tropical and subtropical countries in Central America, South America, and Africa.

Answered: What complications can arise from chickenpox?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:17:33 +0000

Some complications that can arise from chickenpox include:

Skin infections
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (swelling in the brain)
Shingles (later in life)
Joint inflammation

Answered: What are symptoms of meningococcal disease?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:16:22 +0000

Early symptoms of both meningitis and blood infection can be confused with the flu or a cold, but symptoms can rapidly become more severe and may include:

Sudden high fever
Headache
Stiff neck
Aches
Fatigue
Purplish rash on arms and legs
Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental state

Answered: Who should get the meningococcal vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:15:07 +0000

The CDC recommends you get the vaccine if you are an adult and:

Are living in a dorm as a first-year college student
Work with meningococcal bacteria in a lab
Are in the military
Are traveling to or living in a country where meningococcal disease is common, such as in certain parts of Africa
Have a damaged spleen, or it's been removed
Have an immune system disorder called terminal complement deficiency
Are taking eculizumab (Soliris)
May have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
Have HIV

Answered: Are there any dangers or side effects associated with the meningococcal vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:14:17 +0000

Side effects of the meningococcal vaccine may include:

Signs of severe allergic reaction include:

Mild pain and redness at the injection site
Slight fever

Hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing, or swallowing
Hives, itching, skin warmth, or redness
Paleness
Stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting
Anxiety or headache
Weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness

Answered: How and when should you get the meningococcal vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:13:25 +0000

In most cases, adults only need one dose. But if you remain at risk, you may need a booster. You may need another type of meningitis vaccine -- the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine -- if you're exposed to this virus through work or travel, have a damaged or missing spleen, or certain immune system disorders.

Answered: What is the meningococcal vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:12:27 +0000

The meningococcal vaccine protects you from four types of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. This illness can cause meningitis, an infection of the lining around the brain or spinal cord. It can also cause a blood infection (meningococcal bacteremia), pneumonia, and other problems.

Answered: Are there any adults who shouldn't get the meningococcal vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:11:51 +0000

You shouldn't get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you:

If you are pregnant or have other concerns, ask your doctor which meningitis vaccine is right for you.

Are moderately or seriously ill. Wait until you recover.
Have had a serious allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a previous dose
Had a severe reaction to any part of the vaccine

Answered: What are signs of severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:11:13 +0000

Although it's rare, someone may have a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine. Most of the time, such reactions occur within a few minutes to a few hours of receiving the vaccine. The following can be signs of a severe allergic reaction:

Seek immediate medical care if you notice any of these signs after receiving the influenza vaccine.

Behavior changes
Breathing difficulty, including wheezing
Dizziness
Hoarse voice
High fever
Hives
Pale skin
Rapid heart beat
Weakness

Answered: Should I get a typhoid fever vaccine before I travel to India?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:10:45 +0000

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by bacteria. You can get it by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

It's recommended that anyone traveling in southern Asia, including India, be vaccinated against it. This is especially important if you will be visiting rural areas or staying in small towns.

Answered: How do I know what vaccines I need for travel to India?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:09:26 +0000

Talk to your doctor. They'll use the following to decide what vaccines you'll need:

Your health status
How current your immunizations are
Where you are planning to go in the countries you are visiting
What you're likely to do while you're there

Answered: Which vaccines should I get if I have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and plan to travel out of the country?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:02:54 +0000

If you have HIV, be sure to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you aren't already. Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date and that you have the ones required by the country you're traveling to. However, make sure these are the inactivated, not the live, vaccines. If an inactivated version is not available, do not get the live vaccine. Instead, have your doctor give you a letter explaining that you are medically unable to be vaccinated.

Answered: When should I get the seasonal flu vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:01:38 +0000

Ideally, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine by the end of October. But getting vaccinated with the flu shot makes sense any time during flu season, which may last from September to May.

Answered: What are side effects of influenza vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:00:49 +0000

Sometimes the flu vaccine can give you a low fever or muscle aches.

Answered: What medications can prevent influenza A and B?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 07:00:04 +0000

The medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza), can prevent both influenza A and B. These antiviral medications can also help treat swine flu symptoms and shorten the number of days you are sick.

Answered: What are the ingredients of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:59:22 +0000

The HPV vaccine contains no viruses and is not made from human papillomavirus. The active ingredients in the HPV vaccine are proteins that are similar to those found in the human papillomavirus. Genetically modified bacteria produce the proteins, which are then purified and mixed into a sterile, water-based solution.

Answered: Are there any adults who should not receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:58:28 +0000

Certain people should not get the HPV vaccine or should wait before getting it, such as:

The HPV vaccine is not known to be harmful to pregnant women or their babies. However, until more information is known, pregnant women are advised not to receive the HPV vaccine. Women who are breastfeeding can safely receive the HPV vaccine.

Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine
Anyone who has had a previous life-threatening allergic reaction to an ingredient in the HPV vaccine
Pregnant women
Anyone with a moderate or severe illness; people who feel mildly ill may still receive the HPV vaccine.

Answered: What medical conditions can lead to complications from the flu?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:57:29 +0000

You are more likely to get serious flu-related complications and should get a flu vaccine if you have:

Asthma (even if it's mild or controlled) or other lung disease
Brain, spinal cord, or nerve disorders or injury such as stroke, epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury
Diabetes and other endocrine disorders
Epilepsy
Kidney disease or damage
Heart disease
Liver disease or damage
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Morbidly obese (BMI of 40 or greater)
Sickle cell disease and other blood disorders
A weakened immune system due to certain diseases or medical treatments

Answered: Who does not need to get the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:56:25 +0000

Adults don't need the MMR vaccine if:

They have proof of vaccination already.
They have proof that they've already had measles or mumps and rubella.

Answered: Why do adults need the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:54:59 +0000

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Many children in the U.S. are immunized as infants and toddlers, but that doesn't guarantee lifetime protection. And not everyone gets vaccinated as a child. Many adults move to the U.S. from countries without immunization programs. World travel raises the chances of these diseases spreading.

Answered: What's in the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:54:12 +0000

As with many vaccines, the MMR vaccine works with your immune system to build up protection by putting a small amount of the virus into your body. The safest and most effective ingredients in the MMR vaccine used today include "attenuated" forms of each virus, which means they're live forms of the virus made weak in medical labs.

Answered: What are symptoms of hepatitis A?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:53:34 +0000

If you get hepatitis A as an adult, you're more likely to have signs and symptoms than young children who are infected. Symptoms may last less than 2 months and include:

Flu-like illness, including fever and fatigue
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine
Severe stomachache, diarrhea, or nausea

Answered: Are there any risks associated with the chickenpox vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:52:51 +0000

The most common side effect from the chickenpox vaccine is swelling, soreness, or redness at the site of the injection. A small number of people may also develop a mild rash or a low-grade fever after vaccination. Serious reactions to the chickenpox vaccine are extremely rare, but they may include:

Seizures
Brain infection
Pneumonia
Loss of balance
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Answered: How and when should you get the hepatitis A vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:51:41 +0000

You get the hepatitis A vaccine in the muscle of your upper arm. Start the vaccine series when you're at risk of infection and at least 1 month before traveling. You need two doses at least 6 months apart.

There are also combination vaccines for adults that protect against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. But these have a different dosing schedule. Ask your doctor for details. You might prefer this option if, for example, you're traveling to countries with high rates of both diseases.

Answered: What should you do if you may be having a serious reaction to the chickenpox vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:50:44 +0000

If you think you may be having a serious reaction to the chickenpox vaccine, call your health care provider right away. Make a note of the symptoms you're experiencing, and report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. Women who receive the chickenpox vaccine during pregnancy should contact their health care provider right away. Chickenpox during pregnancy can cause birth defects, so there may be a risk that the chickenpox vaccine could cause the same birth defects. As with other vaccines, the risks associated with the chickenpox vaccine are much lower than the risks associated with the disease itself.

Answered: Who shouldn't get the chickenpox vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:49:37 +0000

You should not be vaccinated against chickenpox if you:

These people should check with their doctor about getting the chickenpox vaccine:

Are moderately to severely ill at the time of vaccination
Are pregnant (women should not become pregnant for one month after receiving the chickenpox vaccine)
Have ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine

Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
People taking steroid drugs
People with HIV or another disease that compromises the immune system
Patients who recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products

Answered: Should someone ever get more than one dose of the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:49:07 +0000

Adults with higher odds of measles or mumps should get two doses, the second one 4 weeks after the first. This includes adults who:

Have been exposed to measles or mumps or live in an area where an outbreak happened
Are students in colleges or trade schools
Travel internationally
Work in health care
Were previously given a vaccine other than the live-type of vaccine used today
Got an MMR vaccine between 1963 and '67, but there's no record of what type.

Answered: Which diseases are covered by the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:48:35 +0000

The three diseases covered by the MMR vaccine -- measles, mumps, and rubella -- are highly contagious. Viruses cause all three of these illnesses, and they spread through the air. They can pass from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or just breathing.

Answered: Which adults should get the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:47:41 +0000

Most adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Because of the risk of birth defects, all women of childbearing age should have it unless they're pregnant or have proof of immunity, or of vaccination for rubella.

Answered: Who should avoid the MMR vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:47:07 +0000

You shouldn't have the MMR vaccine if you're pregnant or have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, a previous MMR vaccine, or a medication called neomycins.

Talk with your doctor first if you:

Have HIV, or any other immune system disorder
Have cancer or are being given cancer drugs or X-rays
Are taking steroids or other drugs that affect the immune system
Have had a low platelet count
Have had a blood transfusion or took blood products
Have moderate or severe illness

Answered: What side effects can the MMR vaccine cause?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:45:24 +0000

A few people get a short-term mild rash, fever, swollen glands, or pain and stiffness in the joints after getting the shot. More serious and rare side effects include a temporary low platelet count or serious allergic reaction.

Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hives, weakness, or other problems after vaccination.

Answered: Which people especially should get the influenza vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:43:30 +0000

Your chances of flu-related complications are higher if you are:

You should also get a flu vaccine if you live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, or have medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and asthma.

Older than age 50 or younger than age 2
Pregnant
American Indian or Alaskan Native

Answered: How safe are human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:42:44 +0000

The HPV vaccines were tested on thousands of people and shown to be safe before they were released to the public. These vaccines have been used for years now, and experts say the chance of them causing a serious reaction are very slim. The HPV vaccine does not contain mercury or the preservative thimerosal.

Answered: Can the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine help if you already have the virus?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:26:53 +0000

No. If you have a current HPV, the vaccine won't get rid of the infection. However, if you have one type of HPV, the vaccine may prevent you from getting another type of the virus.

Answered: What are the symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:25:32 +0000

Human papillomavirus is spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Others can give you cancer. When you catch HPV, you won’t have sore throat, fever, or other signs that you’re infected. Most people clear the infection on their own. In fact, you might have absolutely no idea you've been infected until you develop genital warts or have an abnormal Pap test.

Answered: Who can catch the human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:25:09 +0000

Human papillomavirus is spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Others can give you cancer. HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease. If you have sex, there's a very good chance of being infected with HPV at some point in your life. That's why immunization is so important.

Answered: When should you get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:24:43 +0000

The best time to get the HPV vaccine is before you start having sex. That's why the CDC recommends that both boys and girls get their vaccination at age 11 or 12, although they can get the vaccine as early as age 9. If you're 13 or older and you haven't already been vaccinated, you can still get the vaccine through age 26. The vaccine hasn’t been studied well enough for older people.

Answered: How does the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protect me for life?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:24:09 +0000

The vaccine appears to offer long-term protection from HPV. But even women who have been vaccinated should see their gynecologist regularly for a Pap test to check for cervical cancer. The vaccine doesn’t protect against all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.

Answered: What is the recommended dosage for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:23:38 +0000

You'll get three shots of the HPV vaccine over a 6-month period. You need to take all three doses to be completely protected. You'll get the second shot about 1 to 2 months after the first, and the third shot 6 months after the first. Once you've started with a vaccine brand (Gardasil or Gardasil-9), stick with it for all three shots.

Answered: Does insurance cover the cost of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 06:22:51 +0000

Most insurance plans cover routine vaccines, which means that if you're in the recommended age group, your insurance should pay for the vaccine. Check with your insurance company just to be sure. If your family doesn't have health insurance or you're on Medicaid, you should be able to get the HPV vaccine for free through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.