Vaccines and immunizations are an important preventative measure against certain diseases. Several vaccines are available in our office. These vaccines are all FDA approved and supported by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Please refer to www.cdc.gov/vaccines for additional information.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine:
HPV is a virus that causes precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix, vagina and vulva. HPV also causes genital warts. There are more than 30 types of HPV found in the lower genital tract.
Gardasil is a quadrivalent vaccine that is effective at preventing 4 types of HPV infection. These types are 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts. HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer.
Adolescents and young women aged 9-26 are candidates for the HPV vaccine. It is a series of three shots over a six month time period.
Tdap Vaccine:
Tetanus- (lockjaw) painful muscle spasms
Diptheria- thick covering on the back of the throat causing breathing problems
Pertussis- (whooping cough) severe coughing spells
All adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years. In 2005, Tdap was licensed for ages 11-65. Prior to 2005, Tdap was only available for children.
Adults who have never had Tdap should get it at their next scheduled tetanus booster. Adults who come in contact with infants should ensure they have a current Tdap vaccination.
Hepatitis A Vaccine:
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a serious liver disease. Hepatitis A is acquired by ingesting contaminated food and drink or coming in close contact with an infected person.
Adults who travel abroad, use street drugs, or are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases should be vaccinated. It is a series of two shots over a six month time period.
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes a serious liver disease. Hepatitis B can cause an acute and short-term illness with symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, and pain in muscles and abdomen. Hepatitis B can also cause a chronic and long-term illness that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, or death
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person. This includes mother-fetal transmission, contact with contaminated body fluids through a cut in the skin, having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles when injecting drugs, or a needle stick on the job.
Adults who have risk factors should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. It is a series of three shots over a six month time period.
Influenza Vaccine:
Influenza (flu) is a virus. The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, coughing and fatigue. The flu is a more serious illness than the common cold. Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious illness due to the flu leading to increased risk of respiratory illness, pneumonia, hospital admission and death.
Flu vaccination is encouraged for all women who will be pregnant during the flu season (October through May). Pregnant women may receive inactivated flu vaccine at any gestational age. Flu vaccination is also recommended for adults with risk factors including chronic medical problems (asthma, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses), health care workers, and caregivers for children less than 6 months old.