Routine Vaccines Thwart Childhood Illness
Today, vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in the United States are at or near record-low levels. This does not mean such diseases have totally disappeared, however.
Sheela Geraghty, MD, in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, urges parents to talk routinely with their child's doctor about vaccine updates.
Although some children may be older than the recommended age for new vaccines, there is a "catchup" schedule to ensure all children are protected.
Dr. Geraghty offers these highlights of recent updates to recommended vaccines:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is found in the stool of infected persons. It is spread by close personal contact and by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Previously recommended for those traveling to countries with high rates of HAV, the vaccine is now recommended as part of the routine schedule. It is typically given between 12 and 23 months of age in a two-dose series six months apart.
Pertussis
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a severe respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Children with pertussis suffer from severe coughing spells and pneumonia and can have symptoms for up to three months. Pertussis is spread by close contact with the respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Because the number of reported pertussis cases has been increasing annually, be sure your child's protection is up to date.
The pertussis vaccine (which is included in the shot to prevent diphtheria and tetanus) is given at ages 2, 4 and 6 months and between 15-18 months and 4-6 years. The pertussis component is now also added to tetanus boosters for teens, typically given between ages 11-18.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a rapidly spreading bacterium which can result in severe blood infection, meningitis, shock and even death. Transmission occurs via contact with the respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Adolescents living in dormitories are at a higher risk for the disease.
Another recent addition to the vaccine lineup, the meningococcal vaccine is recommended for children 11 and up and is frequently required for students entering college.
