Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine

HPV is a virus that causes precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix, vagina and vulva.  HPV also causes genital warts.   There are more than 30 types of HPV found in the lower genita4l tract.

Gardasil is a quadrivalent vaccine that is effective at preventing 4 types of HPV infection. These types are 6, 11, 16, and 18.  HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts.  HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer.

Adolescents and young women aged 9-26 are candidates for the HPV vaccine.  It is a series of three shots over a six month time period.

Tdap Vaccine

Tetanus- (lockjaw) painful muscle spasms

Diptheria- thick covering on the back of the throat causing breathing problems

Pertussis- (whooping cough) severe coughing spells

All adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years.  In 2005, Tdap was licensed for ages 11-65.  Prior to 2005, Tdap was only available for children.

Adults who have never had Tdap should get it at their next scheduled tetanus booster.  Adults who come in contact with infants <12 months of age, new mothers, and healthcare workers should also get Tdap. 

In December 2012, the CDC advised that healthcare providers offer the Tdap vaccine to all pregnant women between 27-36 weeks with every pregnancy irrespective of previous Tdap history. This is done to maximize the maternal antibody response and passive antibody transfer to the infant to protect babies from this life-threatening disease.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a serious liver disease.  Hepatitis A is acquired by ingesting contaminated food and drink or coming in close contact with an infected person.

Adults who travel abroad, use street drugs, or are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases should be vaccinated.  It is a series of two shots over a six month time period.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes a serious liver disease. Hepatitis B can cause an acute and short-term illness with symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, and pain in muscles and abdomen. Hepatitis B can also cause a chronic and long-term illness that can lead to liver damage, liver cancer or death

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person.  This includes mother-fetal transmission, contact with contaminated body fluids through a cut in the skin, having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles when injecting drugs, or a needle stick on the job.

Adults who have risk factors should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.  It is a series of three shots over a six month time period.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza (flu) is a virus. The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, coughing and fatigue.  The flu is a more serious illness than the common cold.  Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious illness due to the flu leading to increased risk of respiratory illness, pneumonia, hospital admission and death.

Flu vaccination is encouraged for all women who will be pregnant during the flu season (October through May).  Pregnant women may receive an inactivated flu vaccine at any gestational age.  Flu vaccination is also recommended for adults with risk factors including chronic medical problems (asthma, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses), health care workers, and caregivers for children less than 6 months old.