Vaccines used at our clinic

A small easy-to follow guide to the vaccines used and the diseases they treat.

VaccineS	Protection
DTaP	Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
HepA	Protects against hepatitis A
Hib/HepB	Protects against hepatitis B and Hib
HPV	Protects against human papillomavirus
IPV	Protects against polio
MCV4	Protects against meningococcal meningitis
MMR	Protects against measles, mumps and rubella
PCV	Protects against pneumococcus
RotaTeq	Protects against rotavirus
Tdap	Portects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
Varicella	Protects against chicken pox

The Diseases

Diphtheria is a bacterial respiratory disease that lives in the mouth, throat and nose and can cause serious complications such as heart failure and paralysis. Sometimes a thick membrane can form in the back of the throat making it very difficult to swallow and causing respiratory distress.

Haemophilus influenza type b , or Hib is another bacterial disease that can lead to meningitis, arthritis, pneumonia, and most commonly inflammation and swelling of the throat.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that causes fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice.

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that can cause liver failure and death. Symptoms can include jaundice, muscle and joint pain and loss of appetite.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S. and has been directly linked to cervical cancer and genital warts.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that often manifests itself as a rash and a cold. 1 out of 20 people who get the disease will get an ear infection and approximately one out of 1000 children that get the disease will get encephalitis which can cause deafness, or mental retardation due to swelling of the brain.

Meningococcus is a very rapid bacterial disease that also leads to meningitis, pneumonia, and other blood infections. This disease can be quite serious and leave effects such as permanent deafness or loss of limb.

Mumps is another viral disease. It usually causes swelling of cheeks and jaws but can progress into meningitis or encephalitis.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease that causes violent and repeated coughing often until the child has exhausted all air from their lungs. Pertussis can cause the child to turn blue from lack of oxygen or to cause vomiting from the stress.

Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can lead to meningitis as well as serious blood infections.

Polio is a viral disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the back, arms and legs. This disease can lead to paralysis most often of the legs.

Rotavirus is one of the most serious causes of severe diarrhea in babies and young children. Almost all children are infected before they are five years old.

Rubella (german measles) is a usually benign illness causing a rash on the face and neck. Rubella is most dangerous if contracted by pregnant women. If contracted early in the pregnancy there is an 80% chance of the child having birth defects.

Tetanus (lockjaw) is a bacteria that enters the skin usually through deep puncture wounds. It causes muscle spasms in the legs, arms, stomach, and especially the jaw. These spasms can be severe enough to break bones in young children.

Varicella (chickenpox) is still one of the most common childhood diseases usually appearing as an itchy rash all over the body.