Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a disease caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The toxin produced by this bacteria is extremely potent. The C. diphtheriae bacteria first settle on the nasal and throat regions of the victim. Here they produce toxins that destroy the membrane and local tissue in that area. Toxin is then absorbed into the bloodstream from here and distributed throughout the entire body of the victim. Toxic effects include severe heart problems, nervous system problems, low platelet counts (leading to increased bleeding), protein in the urine, and even death. The incubation period after exposure to the disease is usually 2 to 5 days. Death occurs in 5 to 10 % of its victims. For children under 5 years and adults over 40, death rates can reach 20%. Transmission of this bacteria is most often via person to person contact of infected respiratory fluids. Many human carriers of C. diphtheriae exhibit few, if any symptoms. In the 1920’s, before diphtheria vaccine was introduced in the U.S., up to 200,000 cases and 15,000 deaths were caused by diphtheria each year. Today, thanks to a potent vaccine now on the market, only 3-5 cases of diphtheria are reported in U.S. each year. Diphtheria vaccine is usually combined with pertussis and/or tetanus vaccine to form DTP,DT, or Td. A diphtheria/tetanus (Td) booster dose is recommended every 10 years for people over 7 years of age. [back to top]

 Hepatitis A
Most cases of hepatitis A occur in travelers staying in middle to upper-level hotels. Third world countries are a definite hot spot for this disease. This is the most frequently occurring vaccine-preventable disease in travelers. Over 180,000 Americans are infected by hepatitis A each year. About 15% of reported hepatitis A cases occur in daycare children and employees. In 1997, an outbreak in Comal county, Texas resulted in 61 reported cases of the disease. Since this virus is spread by fecal contamination, a single handshake could lead to illness or even death. Trace amounts of infected feces may be present on hotel bedspreads, walls, doorknobs, carpets, furniture, bathrooms, etc. Please don't take a chance on contracting hepatitis A, vaccinate you and your family before it is to late. [back to top]

 Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a contagious and deadly blood born virus which can be spread by unprotected sex, blood transfusions, sharing razors and tooth brushes, and infected shot needles. It is estimated that 200,000 to 300,000 people are infected with this disease each year. There are more than 1 million chronic carriers in the U.S. and many of these people display no symptoms. Although these carriers may appear healthy, they can easily spread the hepatitis B virus to others. At least 5,000 people die each year from hepatitis B related liver disease, many of those from liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every child through the age of 18 years be immunized against this deadly virus. Healthcare workers, sexually active people, law enforcement and fire personnel, college students, international travelers, tattoo/body piercing recipients, and cancer patients are among those with the highest need of immunization against hepatitis B. A series of three vaccinations are given on days 1 and 31, and a third shot after 4 months. [back to top]

 Hib
Haemophilus influenza type B is a bacteria that causes serious disease, mainly in children under 5 years of age. This disease is spread by contact with other people who are infected by the Hib bacteria. Infected individuals often don’t realize that they are infected. If these bacteria stay in the nose and throat, the child usually won’t get sick. If the germs spread to the lungs or bloodstream, Hib can cause serious problems. Before the Hib vaccine, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old in the U.S. Hib also causes pneumonia, severe swelling in the throat, infections in the blood, joints, bones, and the covering surrounding the heart, and even death. More than 20,000 children contract this disease each year in the U.S. Hib causes nearly 1,000 deaths annually. There is a 99.7% protective efficacy shown after vaccination against Hib. [back to top]

 Lyme disease
Hunters, hikers, campers, fisherman, golfers, gardeners, farmers, ranchers, forestry management personnel, wildlife biologists, and all outdoor enthusiasts should beware of Lyme disease. It is transmitted to humans and other animals (i.e. dogs) via a bite from a deer tick, commonly found in wooded areas. These ticks are small and are difficult to see and/or detect. Only 1/3 of the victims realize that they have been bitten by deer ticks. A bulls-eye shaped target (erythema migrans) develops in up to 80% of these infectious bites. The bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease is a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi. Fatigue, headaches, stiff neck/back, nausea/vomiting, fever, and sore throats are all early symptoms of this disease. More serious symptoms include: skin lesions, neurologic damage, severe heart problems, facial nerve paralysis, meningitis/encephalitis, and musculo-skeletal involvement. Lyme disease is quickly spreading, and is currently reported in 48 of the 50 U.S. states. There were 99,000 cases of Lyme disease reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1982 to 1996, increasing 32-fold during this time. This can be a very difficult disease to detect and there is no known cure. The Lyme disease vaccine is recommended for people 15-70 years of age, who are not pregnant. Three doses of vaccine are given on the following schedule: day 1, day 31, and 1 year. [back to top]

 Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus. Before the measles vaccine became available, the disease was frequent and often fatal. The measles virus is transported via the air, carried by respiratory fluid droplets from infected individuals. Coughing and sneezing can easily pass the virus from infected people to new victims. Upon infecting the victim’s nasal and throat areas, the measles virus multiplies and then spreads throughout the entire body, within 5-7 days. A rash develops 7 to 18 days after exposure to the virus. High fever, coughing, nasal drainage, and eye infections often characterize the early stages of this disease. Blue-white spots (Koplik’s spots) appear 1-2 days prior to the development of the external rash. Often used to help identify this disease, Koplik’s spots are found on the mucous membranes of the patient’s mouth and throat. The external rash usually lasts between 5 and 6 days. It first appears on the face and head, then it spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. Diarrhea (8%), ear infection (7%), and pneumonia (6%) are other complications that may occur during measles infections. Measles causes death in about 2 per 1,000 cases reported. Death is usually attributed to secondary pneumonia infections. Humans are the only known carriers of the measles virus. No insects or animals are known to be carriers of it. Prior to 1963, over 500,000 cases and 500 deaths occurred annually in the U.S. as a result of measles infections. After the first vaccine against this deadly disease was introduced in 1963, the incidence of measles decreased by more than 98%. Less than 200 measles cases have been reported annually in recent years in the U.S., and this number continues to decline. In 1999, only 86 cases of measles were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most outbreaks that have occurred in recent years are due to the importation of the virus from other parts of the world. These outbreaks primarily effect unvaccinated people. Two doses of measles vaccine confers a lifetime of immunity in up to 98% of those vaccinated. The measles vaccine currently offered has been formulated to include both the mumps and rubella vaccines, to form MMR. The first dose of MMR should be given at 12-15 months of age(after the first birthday), and the second dose should be given at 4-6 years of age. [back to top]

 Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a bacterial infection of the brain and/or spinal cord coverings. Meningococcal disease is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years of age in the United States. It can also cause infections in the bloodstream. Of the 2,600 people who acquire meningococcal disease in the U.S. each year, 10-15% die from it. Among those who survive the disease, 10% lose there arms and/or legs, become deaf, have nervous system damage, become mentally retarded, or suffer from seizures or strokes. Although anyone can contract meningococcal disease, children under 1 year of age, people with certain medical conditions, U.S. military recruits, hospital laboratory workers, travelers to areas were this disease is common, people exposed to outbreaks, and high school/college students and faculty have the greatest risk of infection. College freshman who live in dormitories seem to have a higher risk than most people, of contracting this disease. Antibiotics can treat this disease, but they often fail due to how quickly the disease kills. There is also an increase in the number of bacteria becoming resistant to them. A newly developed vaccine, which cannot cause infection, is both safe and highly effective. The vaccine can prevent 2 of the 3 important types of meningococcal disease. Those 11 years of age and older usually need only 1 dose of vaccine.  [back to top]

 Pneumonia
Pneumococcal disease kills more people each year in the U.S. than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 150,000 - 570,00 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia occur annually in the U.S. It causes up to 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually and the overall case-fatality rate among the elderly is 30-40%. About 1 out of every 20 people who contract pneumococcal pneumonia die from it. These bacteria cause 3,000 - 6,000 cases of meningitis annually and the incidence is highest among children 6-24 months and people over 65 years of age. Pneumococcal pneumonia causes 16,000 - 55,000 cases of bacteremia each year in the U.S. About 2 people out of 10 who contract bacteremia and 3 people out of 10 who get meningitis die from these diseases. Some people are at a greater risk of contracting pneumococcal disease. These are people 65 years or older, the very young, and people with certain health conditions, such as: alcoholism, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infection, or certain types of cancer. Alaskan natives and certain Native American populations are also at high risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia. Since the bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease has become resistant to so many types of modern antibiotics, treatment is often unsuccessful and the infection can quickly get out of hand. Humans are the reservoir for these bacteria; insects and animals are not known carriers. Pneumococcal bacteria are transmitted via person to person contact with infected respiratory droplets. This is a big killer folks! If you fall into one of these categories, or would just like some extra insurance, get a pneumococcal pneumonia shot now. Certain individuals should receive a booster shot 5 years after the first vaccine is given. [back to top]

 Polio
In the past, an oral version of this vaccine was available. A recent decision to discontinue the oral version of the polio vaccine was a result of safety concerns that have surfaced in the last few years. The injectable form of the polio vaccine is still available, and is still considered safe and effective. Poliomyelitis virus is the causative agent for the crippling and deadly disease polio. It is spread by fecal to mouth contact. The polio virus attacks the spinal cord of its victims, which leads to paralysis and/or death. In 1952, over 21,000 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis infections were reported. Polio epidemics killed thousands of people in the U.S. until the mid 1950’s,which is when the first effective vaccine was finally introduced. The inactivated polio vaccine currently offered today is highly effective in producing immunity against the virus. Side effects from the injectable form of this vaccine are extremely rare. The last known case of wild-virus polio acquired in the U.S. was in 1979. Although a global eradication of polio is expected by the end of this decade, some hot spots for the disease still exist today. Poliovirus transmission now primarily occurs within the Indian subcontinent, the Eastern Mediterranean, and in Africa. [back to top]

 PPD Screenings
PPD Screenings (Tuberculosis screenings) This test involves injecting a small amount of testing agent into the skin of the forearm. The area is then evaluated 48 to 72 hours later by a medical professional. An area involving redness and swelling may indicate previous exposure to the tuberculosis germ. These tests are usually required of people entering schools, the armed forces, healthcare professions, hair stylists, or other types of employment. [back to top]

 Rubella
The rubella virus is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets emitted from infected individuals. It is thought to multiply in the throat and nasal regions of the victim, as well as the lymph nodes in the surrounding tissues. The rubella virus then spreads throughout the victim’s body within 5-7 days after exposure. A maculopapular rash usually develops 14-17 days after exposure. This rash initially occurs on the face and then progresses from head to foot. Lasting about 3 days, the rubella rash is considerably fainter than the rash caused by the measles virus. In 1964 a rubella epidemic across the U.S. resulted in 12.5 million cases of the disease. Rubella is most devastating to fetuses and newborn children. The epidemic of 1964 caused 20,000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The severity of CRS depends upon the point in the gestation period at which the viral infection occurs. Up to 85% of the infants infected during the first trimester of pregnancy develop CRS. The resulting infant defects from CRS often include: deafness, blindness, cardiac defects, and mental retardation. The estimated cost of the rubella epidemic in 1964 was $840 million. The rubella vaccine is safe and the immunity level conferred by this vaccine is very high. Combined with mumps and measles vaccines, this product is marketed as MMR. Two doses of MMR are required for optimal protection against these diseases.[back to top]

 Tetanus
Tetanus is a very serious, often fatal disease caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is found in the soil and often inhabits the intestinal tracts of various animals. Spores produced by C. tetani are extremely difficult to kill and each spore has the ability to turn into a mature bacterial cell. These bacteria enter the body via wounds (especially punctures) and produce deadly toxins that attack the nervous system of it's victim. Chronic contraction of various muscles throughout the body are a result of these toxic effects on the nerves. When continuous muscle contraction is present in the jaw, this leads to the characteristic "lockjaw" syndrome that tetanus is commonly known for. Lockjaw is usually the first sign of this disease, followed by stiffness in the victim’s neck. Approximately 30% of reported tetanus cases are fatal. About 60% of all cases occur in people that are between 20 and 59 years of age. People 60 years and older account for another 35% of these cases. Almost all reported cases occur in people who have either: never been vaccinated, or who have not received a booster shot in the preceding 10 years. The mode of infection may include: burns, cuts, puncture wounds, ear infections, surgery, dental infections, insect or animal bites, abortion, and complicated pregnancy. The most common mode of infection is the puncture wound, which accounts for 38% of all modes of infection. Tetanus is not contagious from person to person. The vaccine is formulated against the tetanus toxin, not the bacteria itself. Following a proper series of vaccination, booster shots of this vaccine are needed at least every 10 years. It is also recommended that anyone who sustains a wound that is other than clean or minor receive a booster vaccine, if more than 5 years have elapsed since their last dose. Tetanus vaccine is available by itself, formulated with diphtheria vaccine (DT for children and Td for those 9 years of age and older), or combined with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines (DTaP). [back to top]

 Varicella
Varicella (Chickenpox)is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but can be very serious and even life threatening. The virus that causes chickenpox can be spread through the air or by contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters. It causes a rash, itching, fever, and tiredness. Varicella can also result in skin infections, scars, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Each year about 12,000 people are hospitalized and about 100 deaths occur as a result of chickenpox infections. People who contract chickenpox may develop a painful rash (shingles) years later. Most of those who get vaccinated against chickenpox never develop the disease. If they do, the symptoms are usually very mild. Children between 12 and 18 months of age should receive one dose of the vaccine, or at any age after that, if they have never had chickenpox. People 13 years or older need two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart. People allergic to gelatin or neomycin should avoid this vaccine. Anyone who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine given to them should be immunized. This disease can kill! [back to top]

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