Pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection in high-risk patients
HIV/AIDs
Immunizations
Safe, effective vaccines that could reduce disease incidence, morbidity,
mortality and health-care costs from these illnesses are available but
are underutilized. All age groups of people need to be immunized against
vaccine-preventable diseases, and certain groups of adults are at higher
risk for vaccine-preventable illnesses. Nationally, only 65% of people
aged 65 years and older receive annual flu shots--this number is even
lower for the pneumococcal vaccine (referred to commonly as the "pneumonia
shot") at only 45.5 percent. One study showed that workers who receive
the influenza vaccine missed 43 percent fewer days of work during the
flu season because of a respiratory ailment. Pneumococcal disease, which
claims as many as 40,000 lives each year in the US, accounts for more
deaths than any other preventable disease.
Immunization Recommendations
Vaccines are the best defense we have against infectious diseases. Prior
to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccines are extensively
tested by scientists to ensure that they are effective and safe. Unfortunately,
no vaccine is 100% safe or effective. Differences in the way individual
immune systems react to a vaccine account for rare occasions when people
are not protected following immunization or when they experience side effects.
All adults should be immunized for the following preventable diseases
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis - (combined in one booster shot) every
10 years. Initial series is 3 shots, given to children as DPT.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella - (combined in one MMR shot) A series of 2 shots
are necessary if born after 1956. Initial series given to children at
ages 15 months and 5 years.
Influenza - 1 shot yearly prior to flu season for adults over age 50 and
chronically ill or if traveling; may be given between usual flu seasons.
Pneumococcal vaccine - Usually 1 shot after age 65 (before 65 if chronically
ill--consult a physician).
Chickenpox - (if given after age 13, series of 2 shots) if you have never
had the disease. Also known as varicella.
Many adults have indications to receive these shots as well (ask your doctor
if you should get them):
Hepatitis B (series of 3 shots over 6 months)
Hepatitis A (2 shots, 6 months apart)
Meningococcal
Travelers may be exposed to diseases not common in our own country, such
as yellow fever, malaria, diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid or
polio. These shots may require a number of weeks to be effective, so it
is important to get them early (about 6 weeks before traveling abroad).
Other: Persons with potential exposure to rabies or anthrax (such as veterinarians)
should be evaluated for these vaccines.
Many adults become victims of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B infections account for the majority
of adult vaccine-preventable disease and death.
Influenza and pneumococcal infections may account for up to 60,000 deaths
annually among adults.
200,000 to 300,000 cases of hepatitis B and 4,000 to 5,000 hepatitis B-related
deaths occur annually.
Persons 15 years and older accounted for 34 percent of reported cases of
measles and 36 percent of reported cases of mumps in 1990.
Approximately 11 million young women are unprotected against rubella.
More than 90 percent of reported cases of tetanus and more than 60 percent
of reported cases of diphtheria between 1985 and 1990 occurred in persons
over 20 years of age, most of whom were inadequately immunized.
Persons 15 years and older accounted for 34 percent of reported cases of
measles and 36 percent of reported cases of mumps in 1990.
Approximately 11 million young women are unprotected against rubella.
More than 90 percent of reported cases of tetanus and more than 60 percent
of reported cases of diphtheria between 1985 and 1990 occurred in persons
over 20 years of age, most of whom were inadequately immunized.
Persons 15 years and older accounted for 34 percent of reported cases of
measles and 36 percent of reported cases of mumps in 1990.
Approximately 11 million young women are unprotected against rubella.
More than 90 percent of reported cases of tetanus and more than 60 percent
of reported cases of diphtheria between 1985 and 1990 occurred in persons
over 20 years of age, most of whom were inadequately immunized.
Where to Get Immunizations
Local health providers:
Altru Clinic - Main provides immunizations for most common diseases that
have vaccines, including many travel vaccines. Call
780-6000 for information.
Local health departments:
The Grand Forks Health Department has regular Immunization Clinics scheduled.
During the autumn months, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are administered
at immunization sites around the city and county. Call
787.8100 for more information.
Keeping Records
Although work has been done by state and local health departments to create
computerized records for immunizations, it is very important to keep personal
immunization records forever and in a safe place. Workplaces, universities
and others routinely ask for immunization histories.
International Travel
The infectious disease section of Altru Health System provides the International
Travel Clinic in hopes of making your trip safer and more enjoyable. Whether
your travel is business-related or vacation you could be exposed to poor
sanitation and infectious diseases not found in the United States. The
travel clinic can provide you with all the information and immunizations
needed to protect you during your travel to any country. Certain immunizations
must be given more than one month before departure. Please try to make
your appointment two to three months prior to trip departure.
Services provided by the International Travel Clinic
