Vaccines can also prevent diseases in adults and limit the spread of infection through communities.
In some cases, vaccines have completelyeliminated once-dreaded diseases.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis Bis a viral disease that causes liver inflammation and damage.
Steve Debenport/iStock
Over time, chronic hepatitis B infection can causecirrhosis,liver failure, andliver cancer.
There is also theTd vaccinethat protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
Tdap vaccination is currently recommended for:
There are two Tdap vaccines approved for use in the United States.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
There are three Hib vaccines approved for use in the United States.
It protects against 21 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria.
The vast majority of infections occur with no symptoms.
Rotavirus is the most common cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide.
Roughly 80% of rotavirus deaths occur in the developing world.
There are two rotavirus vaccines licensed for use, each of which are delivered orally (by mouth).
Varicella Vaccine
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causeschickenpox.
The disease is highly contagious, causing itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
Young children are at the greatest risk of hospitalization from chickenpox.
There is one varicella vaccine, called Varivax, approved for use in the United States.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that causes liver inflammation.
It is typically transmitted by theoral-fecal route.
Though rarely fatal, hepatitis A can causeepidemics, which are a major threat to public health and safety.
There are two hepatitis A vaccines approved for use in the United States.
Influenza Vaccine
The influenza vaccine protects againstseasonal flu.
For most people, seasonal flu is nothing more than a nuisance, causing short-term illness.
However, for some, flu can be severe and even life-threatening.
Babies, older adults, and people withcompromised immune systemsare among those with a high risk of complications.
Because the virus mutates quickly, annual vaccination is needed to avoid infection.
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
There are nine different flu vaccines approved for use in the United States.
Everyone else needs only a single dose each year.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal vaccinesprotect against meningococcal disease, an illness sparked by the bacteriaNeisseria meningitides.
meningitidescan lead to meningitis, bacteremia, andsepticemia.
The CDC currently recommends vaccination in adolescents between 11 and 12 years of age.
Vaccination can be started as early as age 9.
The vaccine is also recommended for people through age 26 years who have not been adequately vaccinated.
Adults 27 to 45 may also be vaccinated based on a shared decision with their doctor.
There is one HPV vaccine, called Gardasil-9, approved for use in the United States.
An earlier shingles vaccine, called Zostavax, was discontinued in November 2020.
Three of those options are still available.
The CDC regularly recommends that all adults and children receive updated vaccines as new COVID variants develop.
Updated vaccines that protect against current variants are now available.
They are recommended for all people age 6 months and up.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabiesis a serious viral illness transmitted by the saliva of infected animals.
The greatest number of cases are seen in India, China, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The same applies to travelers to parts of the world where rabies is widespread.
There are two rabies vaccines available for use in the United States.
Cholera Vaccine
Cholerais a gastrointestinal illness resulting from theVibrio cholerabacteria.
Cholera causes watery diarrhea that can spin up the gamut from mild to life-threatening.
The infection is transmitted through contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation.
Cholera is rare in the United States and not a disease for which American residents are routinely vaccinated.
Some countries will require proof of vaccination before you are allowed to enter.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Yellow feveris a mosquito-borne viral disease common in sub-Saharan Africa and South America.
Severe cases can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding,acute kidney failure, encephalopathy, andcerebral edema.
Yellow fever vaccination is indicated for people 9 months and older traveling to endemic regions.
The bacteria is transmitted via contaminated food and water.
Before traveling abroad, check the CDC traveler advisory website for vaccine recommendations for your destination.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis A VIS.
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