Immunization update
It's time to check those immunization records again. Advancements in medical technology, plus changes in and resurgences of some conditions, have prompted physicians to revise immunization schedules.
"Some of it is old turned new," says Virtua Memorial Hospital chief of pediatrics Thomas O'Donnell, MD. Check out these changes and talk to your doctor to make sure you and your family are up to date.
Meningococcal vaccine
What it prevents: The meningococcal vaccine is used to prevent meningitis, a disease that can cause swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a blood infection.
Who gets it: The vaccine previously was given to young adults headed to college because crowded dorms created an environment where the sometimes deadly condition could spread quickly.
What's new: Because meningitis has now been reported in younger people, the vaccination is being administered to pre-teens ages 11 to 12.
Hepatitis A vaccine
What it prevents: This vaccine helps prevent Hepatitis A, a viral disease that affects the liver and causes jaundice, nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms. About 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States are infected with the disease annually and about 100 die from it.
Who gets it: The vaccine previously was given to people traveling out of the country, living in high-risk areas or those with chronic liver disease.
What's new: Children ages 1 to 2 are being immunized against Hepatitis A. First available in 1995, the Hepatitis A vaccine previously was recommended for children living in states with elevated rates of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the latest recommendation to vaccinate all children was made in part because two-thirds of current Hepatitis A cases were occurring in states in which the vaccine was not recommended for children.
Tetanus vaccine
What it prevents: The tetanus vaccine prevents a bacterial disease of the nervous system that's marked by lockjaw, neck stiffness and swallowing difficulties. Though it's commonly known as a "tetanus shot," this vaccine is almost always give in combination with vaccines that protect against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
Who gets it: Children under age 7 receive diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccinations. However, previously it was recommended that adolescents and adults receive only the tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine every 10 years.
What's new: The traditional tetanus shot has been improved, and children over age 7 and adults are now given what's known as a TDaP. "Essentially, TDaP is an update on the tetanus shot," says David Zalut, MD, chairman of family medicine for Virtua West Jersey Hospitals. Like the childhood vaccination, it immunizes against all three diseases. "It's still recommended that this vaccine be given every 10 years after age 7," says Dr. Zalut.
New: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine
What it prevents: Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, and can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. The vaccine protects against four types of HPV, including two that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer.
Who gets it: The vaccine is most effective for females who get vaccinated before their first sexual contact. While it's still a controversial topic and in hot debate, in June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine vaccination for females age 11 to 12 years, with special provisions for females up to age 26.
What's new: The HPV vaccine is the first vaccine developed that actually prevents cervical cancer.
Physician profiles
Thomas O'Donnell, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 25 years of service in Burlington County. Dr. O'Donnell received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in pediatrics at St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. O'Donnell is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
David Zalut, MD, is a board-certified family practice doctor. Dr. Zalut graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and completed a residency in family medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital. He is accredited by the American Academy for Family Practice.