Here at The Grove Health, we like to provide useful vaccine information to help you make informed decisions about health and wellness. Vaccines are a vital part of preventative healthcare. They work by protecting people from diseases that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Vaccines contain either inactivated (dead) or weakened forms of the virus or bacteria. When these enter the body, they stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. The body then remembers how to fight the disease if it is ever exposed to it again.
Vaccines are responsible for saving millions of lives every year. They are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent deadly diseases. Vaccinations help protect not just the person getting vaccinated, but also their community by preventing the spread of disease.
Shingles Preventative Immunization available those >50 years of age who have had chickenpox (herpes zoster) as a child. This is a very painful rash taht can be on the face, neck, back, chest, glute, or leg.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by a virus. Specifically the Hepatitis A virus. It can impact anyone, but vaccination is routinely available for individuals 1 year of a ge or older. Prevention is still key and good personal hygeine and proper sanitation is important to prevent breakthrough infections and prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-a.html
HPV vaccines can be given to children as young as nine years old. HPV vaccination is required for all preteens in order to protect them against HPV infections, which can lead to cancer later in life. Teenagers and young adults up to the age of 26 who have not yet begun or completed the HPV vaccine series should do so.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis can all be prevented with the Tdap vaccine. Diphtheria and pertussis are contagious diseases that transmit from person to person. Tetanus is transmitted to humans through cuts or wounds.
TETANUS (T) produces muscle stiffness that is unpleasant. Tetanus can cause major health problems, such as the inability to open one’s mouth, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and even death.
DIPHTHERIA (D) can cause breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and even death.
PERTUSSIS (aP), often known as “whooping cough,” is characterized by uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes breathing, eating, and drinking difficult. Pertussis can be deadly in babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, and even death. It can induce weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures in teenagers and adults.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html
Vaccines can aid in the prevention of meningococcal disease, which is any sickness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. In the United States, there are two types of meningococcal vaccines:
Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccinations (Bexsero® and Trumenba®) All 11 to 12 year olds should obtain a MenACWY vaccine, with a booster dose at 16 years old. A MenB vaccine may also be given to teenagers and young adults (16 to 23 years old). Meningococcal immunization is also recommended by the CDC for other children and adults who are at risk for meningococcal illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/index.html
Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver and is caused by a virus. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to lifelong infection, liver cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, liver failure, and death. The hepatitis B vaccine is available for people of all ages. All newborns, children or adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, all people aged 19 to 59 years, and adults aged 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection should get the hepatitis B vaccination. Adults aged 60 and up who have no known risk factors for hepatitis B may also take the vaccine.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hep-b.html
Every year, between October and May, the flu spreads across the United States. The flu can affect anyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Flu complications are most common in infants and young children, persons 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with particular health disorders or a weaker immune system.
Flu-related problems include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. If you already have a medical problem like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, the flu can exacerbate it.
Fever and chills, as well as a sore throat, muscle pains, exhaustion, cough, headache, and a runny or congested nose, are all symptoms of the flu. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur in some persons, albeit this is more prevalent in children than in adults.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html
Typhoid fever can be prevented with the Typhoid vaccine. Persons who have typhoid fever and people who carry the germs that causes typhoid fever can both spread the bacteria to others. Typhoid fever is caused when germs proliferate and move into the bloodstream when someone eats or drinks contaminated food or drink.
Typhoid fever is a sickness that can be fatal. A persistent high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea or constipation, cough, and loss of appetite are all symptoms of infection.
Typhoid fever is frequent in many parts of the world, including East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East. In the United States, typhoid fever is uncommon.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/typhoid.html
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is a vaccine that protects against pneumococcal illness.
Any illness caused by pneumococcal germs is known as pneumococcal disease. These bacteria are capable of causing a variety of ailments, including pneumonia, which is a lung infection. One of the most common causes of pneumonia is pneumococcal bacteria.
Pneumococcal illness can affect anyone, but children under the age of two, people with specific medical conditions, adults 65 and older, and cigarette smokers are at the greatest risk.
Pneumococcal infections are usually mild. Some, however, can have long-term consequences, such as brain damage or hearing loss. Pneumococcal illness can cause meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia, which can all be fatal.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ppv.html
RSV
A respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, or RSV vaccine, is a vaccine that protects against respiratory syncytial virus. RSV affects an estimated 64 million people and causes 160,000 deaths worldwide each year. The RSV vaccines Arexvy, and Abrysvo, are approved for medical use in the United States for adults age 60 and above.