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Vaccines

Common Vaccines

Vaxelis (Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis, Inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus b Conjugate and Hepatitis B Vaccine) is a vaccine indicated for active immunization to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). VAXELIS is approved for use as a 3-dose series in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age (prior to the 5th birthday). For more information see https://www.vaxelis.com/

Vaxneuvance (Pneumococcal Conjugate 15 or PCV15) is a vaccine to help protect against invasive disease caused by 15 types of pneumococcus (pronounced “noo-mo-ca-cus”), a kind of bacteria, in individuals 6 weeks of age and older. It helps protect against invasive pneumococcal diseases involving an infection in the blood (bacteremia) and an infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). For more information see https://www.vaxneuvance.com/

Menactra is a vaccine recommended for children at 11 or 12 years of age, with a booster at 16 years. It protects against meningococcal disease, including meningitis. It is contraindicated for patients who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome. For more information on this vaccine, see http://www.menactra.com/ or http://www.chop.edu/.

Boostrix is a vaccine available for children and adolescents 10 to 64-year-olds. This vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough and can be given in lieu of the Tetanus Diphtheria vaccine. ADACEL vaccine is first tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccine available for both adolescents and adults 10 through 64 years of age. We have Adacel available for adults as it is recommended for all household contacts of children less than 12 months of age or those due for a Tetanus booster. For more information see: http://www.boostrix.com and http://www.adacelvaccine.com.

RotaTeq is a vaccine that can help protect your infant from getting Rotavirus, a viral infection that can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The vaccine is given by mouth at 3 different times, each about one to two months apart with the first vaccine given between 6 and 12 weeks of age and the final dose by 32 weeks of age. Nearly all children become infected with the rotavirus by the time they are 5 years old.

Meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero) is a vaccine recommended 16-18 years, prior to college. The vaccine can help protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B.  A different meningococcal vaccine is available that can help protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. Even when it is treated, meningococcal disease kills 10 to 15 infected people out of 100. And of those who survive, about 10 to 20 out of every 100 will suffer disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, loss of limbs, nervous system problems, or severe scars from skin grafts. For more information see: https://bexsero.com

Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical cancer. For more information see: https://gardasil9.com

For more information on vaccines, don’t hesitate to call North Austin Pediatrics. 
Please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics for information regarding the recent cases of measles in the United States: AAP web page on immunizations