DTaP, pediatric DT, Td, Tdap
DTaP contains diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccines for children age 6 weeks through 6 years. Pediatric DT contains diphtheria and tetanus without the pertussis components for children age 6 weeks through 6 years. "Adult" Td contains tetanus and a smaller amount of diphtheria than the pediatric version and is used for children age 7 years through adulthood. TdaP contains tetanus, a smaller amount of diphtheria than the pediatric version and is used for adolescents and adults. One brand is licensed for age 10 through 18 years and the second brand is licensed for age 11 through 64 years.
Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
Hib vaccine is recommended routinely for children age 6 weeks through 4 years, but also may be given to older children and adults who have a poorly functioning spleen or no spleen. Because of manufacturing delays with one Hib vaccine manufacturer, there is a temporary decrease in Hib vaccine supply. CDC has advised providers not to give the Hib vaccine booster to healthy children aged 12-15 months. Providers should continue to give this booster to high-risk children with asplenia, sickle cell disease, HIV, other immune syndromes, or those who are Alaskan or Native American.
HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine
HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. Most HPV infections don't cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. But HPV is important mainly because it can cause cervical cancer in women. Every year in the U.S. about 10,000 women get cervical cancer and 3,700 die from it. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. In King County, an average of 57 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year between 1998 and 2002 and an average of 15 King County women died from cervical cancer each year between 1999 and 2003.
There are two HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil provides protection against HPV-related cancers and genital warts, whereas Cervarix offer protection only against HPV-related cancers. Routine vaccination is recommended for females (using either vaccine) and males (using Gardasil) at age 11-12 years. The 3-dose series can be started as young as age 9 years. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for females 13-26 years and males 13-21 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the full series. The vaccine may be given to men 22-26 years of age; it is recommended for men through age 26 who have sex with men or whose immune system is weakened because of HIV infection, other illnesses, or medications.
Washington passed a law, RCW 70.95M.115, that restricts the use of vaccines that contain thimerosal for children under 3 years of age and for pregnant women, effective July 1, 2007. The law affects flu vaccine in multiple-dose vials, meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine and Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Information about RCW 70.95M.115 (PDF).
How does this law affect flu vaccine?
- If you are pregnant or become pregnant after July 1, 2007, you must get a mercury-free flu shot (a flu shot with no more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose).
- If you have a child who will be under three years of age after July 1, 2007, he or she must get a mercury-free flu shot (a flu shot with no more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose).
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Public Health - Seattle & King County fact sheets:
Polio (IPV, inactivated polio)
This vaccine may be given to adults and children as pre-exposure (travel, certain occupations or activities) or post-exposure (usually an animal bite).
Where to get shingles vaccine: Public Health Centers currently do not carry Zostavax (shingles vaccine). Many pharmacies and some health care providers have or can order the vaccine. Medicare Part B will cover the administration fee. Medicare Part D may cover the vaccine cost, depending on which plan you have.