2. Recommended Vaccines for Children

• Birth to 5 Years:

  • Hepatitis B (HepB): Protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver infections.
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).
  • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Protects against severe bacterial infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
  • Polio (IPV): Protects against poliomyelitis, a disease that can cause paralysis.
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): Protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious infection.
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Protects against pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis.
  • Rotavirus (RV): Protects against rotavirus infections that can cause severe diarrhea in young children.
  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): A booster to continue protection against these diseases.
    
    

• 7 to 18 Years:
  
  

  • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): A booster to continue protection against these diseases.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against HPV infections, which can lead to cervical cancer and other cancers.

3. Vaccine Schedules and Catch-Up Vaccines

Following the recommended vaccination schedule is important for optimal protection. If your child has missed any vaccines, catch-up vaccines can help ensure they are protected. Consult with our healthcare providers to determine the appropriate schedule and catch-up vaccines needed.

Adult Vaccination

1. Importance of Vaccination in Adults

Vaccination remains important throughout adulthood. Many diseases, such as flu and pneumonia, can affect adults severely. Additionally, some vaccines need to be updated periodically to maintain immunity.

2. Recommended Vaccines for Adults

• Influenza (Flu): An annual vaccine to protect against the most common strains of seasonal flu.
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Recommended every 10 years, with a one-time Tdap booster if not previously received.
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Recommended for adults aged 50 and older to protect against shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
• Pneumococcal Vaccines:
  • PCV13: Protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
  • PPSV23: A second pneumococcal vaccine for additional protection against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, usually recommended for adults 65 and older or those with certain health conditions.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Recommended for adults up to age 26, and in some cases, up to age 45, to protect against HPV-related cancers.
• Hepatitis B (HepB): Recommended for adults at risk of hepatitis B, including healthcare workers and those with certain lifestyle factors.
• Hepatitis A (HepA): Recommended for adults at risk of hepatitis A, including travelers to certain regions and those with chronic liver disease.
• MMR Vaccination

Why Vaccination Matters

• Prevention of Disease: Vaccines are proven to prevent serious diseases and their complications.
• Community Protection: High vaccination rates help protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with certain medical conditions, through herd immunity.
• Cost-Effective: Preventing disease through vaccination can save on healthcare costs and reduce the economic impact of illnesses.