Vaccine Update 5-2008

Flu vaccine 6 months to 18 yrs

The American Committee in Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends flu shots for all children ages 6 months through 18 years of age. Flu shots and FluMist will be available in the fall through Community Health. Further announcements about the delivery of flu vaccinations will be made as fall approaches. Up-to-date flu information can be found at www.krhc.com.

Adolescents (11yrs to 18yrs) need immunizations:

The American Committee in Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends that 11-12 year olds need additional immunizations. Menactra (meningococcal, meningitis), Gardasil (HPV), and Tdap are available in Kossuth Co. The menactra shot will lower the risk of bacteria meningitis. The HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. In addition to the tetanus booster of old, Tdap adds a new pertussis protection. Two doses of chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine are also recommended for adolescents who have not had the disease of chickenpox.

Menactra (meningococcal) vaccine for prevention of bacterial meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Often referred to as spinal meningitis, the disease is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis can usually resolve itself without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis has the potential for long term, residual complications, and about 10% of the patients die. Early diagnosis and quick effective antibiotic therapy can significantly lessen the severity of the disease. Vaccination will lower, though not eliminate completely, the risk of the disease.

Gardasil (HPV) vaccine for prevention of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in females

Human papillomavirus can be the cause of cervical cancer, other less common forms of cancer, and warts that appear in either the genital area or the upper respiratory tract. Though there are about 40 types of HPV, this vaccine protects against 4 major types of HPV. HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.

Tdap vaccine for additional pertussis protection

Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. This is a new formulation that includes protection against pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis (whooping cough) has been on the rise the last several years especially in the adolescent population. Because of this, this new formula was developed to help stop the increase in the number of cases of pertussis.

If you have insurance, please call your insurance company to determine if your insurance covers immunizations or includes immunizations under the category of preventive care. If insurance will pay, call your Dr’s office to receive vaccinations. If your insurance does not pay and you meet the following eligibility requirements, please contact Community Health, KRHC at 515-295-4430, 800-603-8433. These eligibility requirements are part of the Vaccines for Children program provided by the federal government. Community Health is required to abide by these requirements:

· Birth to 18 years of age

· Medicaid/Title 19 enrolled

· No health insurance

· American Indian or Alaskan Native

· Underinsured -no immunization coverage, covers only certain vaccines,

or caps the cost at a certain amount.

· Unmet deductibles or co-pay do NOT qualify persons for VFC.

Please call Community Health, KRHC 515-295-4430, 800-603-8433 or your Dr’s office for more information.