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• Highlights
• Introduction
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
• Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Poliomyelitis
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Immunizations

Description

An in-depth report on the purpose of immunizations and recommended schedules.

Alternative Names

Measles; Rubella; Tetanus; Vaccinations; Whooping cough

Highlights

Rotavirus

Rotavirus causes vomiting and watery diarrhea that can be especially severe in infants and young children. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children and is responsible for hospitalizing approximately 55,000 children in the United States every year. Worldwide, rotavirus results in the death of more than 600,000 children annually.

The virus is highly contagious and is spread from person-to-person by contact with the virus in feces or contaminated water. It commonly affects young children in day care settings.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq, Merck and Co.) early in 2006, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that all infants should be immunized (3 liquid doses by mouth at 2, 4, and 6 months of age). In February 2007, the FDA announced there had been 28 reports of intussusception in infants who received the vaccine. Intussusception is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the intestine gets blocked or twisted.

Varicella (chickenpox)

On June 29, 2006, the ACIP recommended that children receive two doses of chickenpox vaccine routinely instead of one. The first dose should be given when the child is 12 - 15 months old followed by the second dose between 4 - 6 years of age.

Human Papilloma Virus

Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts in males and females. It is also the chief cause of cervical cancer among women, although only certain strains of the virus cause cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that by age 50, at least 80% of women will have HPV infection.

On June 29, 2006, the CDC’s Advisory Committee recommended that girls should routinely receive a newly licensed vaccine against HPV. The vaccine, called Gardasil, should be given to all girls 11 or 12 years of age.

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy; previously reviewed by Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital (8/23/2006).

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