Childhood Health Podcast Episode 1 - Immunization Update

September 18, 2006 by Kenneth Carlson, MD 

Discussing new vaccines and recent changes to the immunization schedule.

Meningococcal vaccine

  • Approved 2005
  • Cause of serious blood and brain infection which can rapidly lead to death
  • FDA approved ages 11-55
  • Single dose series recommended for adolescents especially on entry to high school and college

TdaP (tetanus booster with pertussis for adolescents)

  • Replaces previous tetanus booster given after age 11
  • Now has protection agains whooping cough
  • Should greatly decrease the incidence of whooping cough disease in teenagers.

Varicella

  • Now two doses recommended for all
  • Second dose routinely given at age 4-5
  • Given later if needed for catch-up
  • New combination MMRV facilitates giving booster without needing additional injection at 4-5 year checkup

HPV (Gardisil)

  • Vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted infection that is cause of cervical cancer
  • Three dose series for girls beginning age 11
  • Potential to prevent 70% of cervical cancers

Rotavirus

  • A common cause of severe diarrhea illness in all ages and more severe for infants
  • Three dose series for infants at 2, 4, 6 months of age
  • Oral vaccine that infant swallows

Further information

 
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