Vaccine Webinar

Introduction

CURATED BY THE PROVIDERS OF
STORYBOOK PEDIATRICS

At Storybook Pediatrics, we believe vaccines are one of the most important and well-studied public health advancements. We strongly recommend that children receive immunizations according to the schedule established by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as this schedule is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable and is supported by extensive safety monitoring and scientific evidence
At the same time, we respect a parent / guardian right to make informed medical decisions for their children/ minors. Thus, we do accept alternate schedule, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated families in our office. Our role is to provide evidence-based guidance, answer questions openly, and support families as they make choices they feel comfortable with.

At Storybook Pediatrics, we believe vaccines are one of the most important and well-studied public health advancements. We strongly recommend that children receive immunizations according to the schedule established by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as this schedule is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable and is supported by extensive safety monitoring and scientific evidence
At the same time, we respect a parent / guardian right to make informed medical decisions for their children/ minors. Thus, we do accept alternate schedule, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated families in our office. Our role is to provide evidence-based guidance, answer questions openly, and support families as they make choices they feel comfortable with.

At Storybook Pediatrics, we believe vaccines are one of the most important and well-studied public health advancements. We strongly recommend that children receive immunizations according to the schedule established by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as this schedule is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable and is supported by extensive safety monitoring and scientific evidence
At the same time, we respect a parent / guardian right to make informed medical decisions for their children/ minors. Thus, we do accept alternate schedule, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated families in our office. Our role is to provide evidence-based guidance, answer questions openly, and support families as they make choices they feel comfortable with.
Our hope is that just as you trust our expertise and care for all other areas of your children’s health you will trust us to help you make the decision on whether to vaccinate your family or not.

Our hope is that just as you trust our expertise and care for all other areas of your children’s health you will trust us to help you make the decision on whether to vaccinate your family or not.

Our hope is that just as you trust our expertise and care for all other areas of your children’s health you will trust us to help you make the decision on whether to vaccinate your family or not.

Abbreviations

ABBREVIATIONS

AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics
CDC: Centers for Disease Control
WHO: World Health Organization
Hep B: Hepatitis B vaccine
Hep A: Hepatitis A vaccine
Dtap: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine
Tdap: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine
IPV: Polio vaccine

PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine
HIB: Haemophilus Influenzae Type B vaccine
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine
VZV: Varicella vaccine
MCV4: Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
Men B: Meningococcal B vaccine
HPV: Human Papillomavirus vaccine
Rota: Rotavirus vaccine

AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics
CDC: Centers for Disease Control
WHO: World Health Organization
Hep B: Hepatitis B vaccine
Hep A: Hepatitis A vaccine
Dtap: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccine
Tdap: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine
IPV: Polio vaccine
PCV: Pneumococcal vaccine
HIB: Haemophilus Influenzae Type B vaccine
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine
VZV: Varicella vaccine
MCV4: Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
Men B: Meningococcal B vaccine
HPV: Human Papillomavirus vaccine
Rota: Rotavirus vaccine

Complications

Complications of Vaccine Preventable Illnesses Medical Terms Explanation

Bacteremia: Bacteria in the blood which can lead to sepsis and death.
Meningitis: Inflammation / infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
Sepsis: life threatening response to infection that leads to organ failure and death.
Organ Failure: A vital body organ stops working. Can be lungs, heart, liver, kidneys
Encephalitis: Brain swelling / inflammation
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: (ARDS): Severe lung injury where fluid fills the lungs and impairs the ability to breath.
Cerebellar Ataxia: Loss of control of body movements.
Epiglottitis: Swelling of the flap of tissue that covers the airway resulting in respiratory distress.

Measles Inclusion Body Encephalitis (MIBE): Severe brain infection caused by measles within 1 year of illness
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): Severe and fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of measles 7 or more years after infection.
Congenital Rubella Syndrome: Babies exposed to rubella before birth having impacts on hearing, heart defects, eyes, and developmental delays.
Transverse Myelitis: Section of spinal cord is inflamed causing partial paralysis
Metabolic Acidosis: The body’s PH level is too low due to fluid losses. Can be life threatening.
Cardiac Fibroelastosis: Thickening, stiffening, and scarring of the heart decreasing its function.
Trismus: Lockjaw

Bacteremia: Bacteria in the blood which can lead to sepsis and death.
Meningitis: Inflammation / infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
Sepsis: life threatening response to infection that leads to organ failure and death.
Organ Failure: A vital body organ stops working. Can be lungs, heart, liver, kidneys
Encephalitis: Brain swelling / inflammation
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: (ARDS): Severe lung injury where fluid fills the lungs and impairs the ability to breath.
Cerebellar Ataxia: Loss of control of body movements.
Epiglottitis: Swelling of the flap of tissue that covers the airway resulting in respiratory distress.
Measles Inclusion Body Encephalitis (MIBE): Severe brain infection caused by measles within 1 year of illness
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): Severe and fatal brain disease caused by reactivation of measles 7 or more years after infection.
Congenital Rubella Syndrome: Babies exposed to rubella before birth having impacts on hearing, heart defects, eyes, and developmental delays.
Transverse Myelitis: Section of spinal cord is inflamed causing partial paralysis
Metabolic Acidosis: The body’s PH level is too low due to fluid losses. Can be life threatening.
Cardiac Fibroelastosis: Thickening, stiffening, and scarring of the heart decreasing its function.
Trismus: Lockjaw

Current Schedule

CURRENT VACCINE SCHEDULE

Newborn: Hep B (given at birth hospital)
2 months: Dtap, IPV, Hep B, PCV, HIB, Rota
4 months: Dtap, IPV Hep B,, PCV, HIB, Rota
6 months: Dtap, IPV, Hep B, PCV, HIB, Rota
12 months: MMR, PCV, Hep A
15 months: VZV, Dtap, Hib
18 months: Hep A
4 year: Dtap, IPV, MMR, Varicella

9 year: HPV (offered yearly, until series complete, 2 dose series if started before 15 years of age, 3 doses if 15 or older)
10 year: Tdap (offered), HPV if due
11 year: Tdap (if not given at 10), MCV4, HPV if due
15 year: HPV if due
16 year: MCV4, MenB
17 year: Men B, Tdap (if more than 5 years since last Tdap)
*Combination vaccines are available to lessen number of injections.

Newborn: Hep B (given at birth hospital)
2 months: Dtap, IPV, Hep B, PCV, HIB, Rota
4 months: Dtap, IPV Hep B,, PCV, HIB, Rota
6 months: Dtap, IPV, Hep B, PCV, HIB, Rota
12 months: MMR, PCV, Hep A
15 months: VZV, Dtap, Hib
18 months: Hep A
4 year: Dtap, IPV, MMR, Varicella
9 year: HPV (offered yearly, until series complete, 2 dose series if started before 15 years of age, 3 doses if 15 or older)
10 year: Tdap (offered), HPV if due
11 year: Tdap (if not given at 10), MCV4, HPV if due
15 year: HPV if due
16 year: MCV4, MenB
17 year: Men B, Tdap (if more than 5 years since last Tdap)
*Combination vaccines are available to lessen number of injections.

Hepatitis B

HEPATITIS B (Hep B)

PROTECTS AGAINST HEP B

Hep B Facts:
Agent: Hepatitis B Virus
How it spreads: Coming into contact with blood and/or body fluids. Can live on surfaces and spread through household contacts
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms but it can present with fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), joint pain.
Complications: it can cause complications like chronic liver infection, liver failure, liver cancer, and death. In Infancy and childhood infection leads to chronic hepatitis in 95% of cases (WHO).

STATS:
Has a 90-95% efficacy for preventing Hep B infections and clinical disease.
Long term studies show immune memory for at least 3 decades. Booster doses are not recommended for normal immune status.
First given at birth( even with mothers known negative Hep B status).
Adverse effects: pain at the site, and fever (more common in children than adults) and fatigue. Anaphylaxis is uncommon ( 1 in 1.3million recipients).
A study from the National Academy of Medicine found no evidence of association between the Hep B vaccine and SIDS, (sudden infant death syndrome) , type 1 DM, seizures, encephalitis, or autoimmune disease like demyelinating disease or Multiple sclerosis.

Hep B Facts:
Agent: Hepatitis B Virus
How it spreads: Coming into contact with blood and/or body fluids. Can live on surfaces and spread through household contacts
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms but it can present with fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), joint pain.
Complications: it can cause complications like chronic liver infection, liver failure, liver cancer, and death. In Infancy and childhood infection leads to chronic hepatitis in 95% of cases (WHO).
STATS:
Has a 90-95% efficacy for preventing Hep B infections and clinical disease.
Long term studies show immune memory for at least 3 decades. Booster doses are not recommended for normal immune status.
First given at birth( even with mothers known negative Hep B status).
Adverse effects: pain at the site, and fever (more common in children than adults) and fatigue. Anaphylaxis is uncommon ( 1 in 1.3million recipients).
A study from the National Academy of Medicine found no evidence of association between the Hep B vaccine and SIDS, (sudden infant death syndrome) , type 1 DM, seizures, encephalitis, or autoimmune disease like demyelinating disease or Multiple sclerosis.

Pneumococcal (PCV)

PROTECTS AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE (an infectious bacteria)

PCV Facts:
Agent: Pneumococcal bacteria
How it spreads: Pneumococcal diseases are spread by air, respiratory droplets, and direct contact
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms but it can present with pneumonia (infection in the lungs). This is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia. 40-50% of kids and 20-30% of adults are colonized.
Complications: bacteremia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), and death. Also a leading cause of ear infections in children.

STATS:
This is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in kids over 1 month of age.
In people older than 16 years, it causes 72% of bacterial meningitis cases with a 12-61% mortality rate.
First introduced in the U.S. in 2000 as PCV7.
4 dose series is recommended for those under age 5 years of age.
May cause redness, pain, swelling at the injection site, along with fever, drowsiness irritability, and decreased appetite.

PCV Facts:
Agent: Pneumococcal bacteria
How it spreads: Pneumococcal diseases are spread by air, respiratory droplets, and direct contact
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms but it can present with pneumonia (infection in the lungs). This is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia. 40-50% of kids and 20-30% of adults are colonized.
Complications: bacteremia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), and death. Also a leading cause of ear infections in children.
STATS:
This is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in kids over 1 month of age.
In people older than 16 years, it causes 72% of bacterial meningitis cases with a 12-61% mortality rate.
First introduced in the U.S. in 2000 as PCV7.
4 dose series is recommended for those under age 5 years of age.
May cause redness, pain, swelling at the injection site, along with fever, drowsiness irritability, and decreased appetite.

Pneumococcal (PCV)2

Pneumococcal (PCV) cont'd

PROTECTS AGAINST PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE (an infectious bacteria)

Agent: Hepatitis B Virus
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
PCV Vaccine administered at: 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age
Some children with immune compromise or chronic health conditions such as asthma may qualify for booster dose as an older child.

Agent: Hepatitis B Virus
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
PCV Vaccine administered at: 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age
Some children with immune compromise or chronic health conditions such as asthma may qualify for booster dose as an older child.

DTP Diphtheria

Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis: (DTaP, TDaP)

PROTECTS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, AND PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)

Diphtheria Facts:
Agent: C. Diphtheriae
How it spreads: Direct Contact and Droplet air transmission
Symptoms: Can cause mild respiratory disease and skin infections, sore throat, mild fever, swollen glands in neck.
Complications: Extensive neck swelling, upper airway obstruction, myocarditis (heart inflammation), neurological inflammation, osteomyelitis (bone infection), heart failure, respiratory failure, paralysis, and death.

STATS:
Fatality rates: 5-10% with treatment and up to 50% without treatment
Largely eradicated in US since 1997 due to vaccination
Remains globally endemic in parts of Africa, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, and Europe where vaccination programs are suboptimal.

Diphtheria Facts:
Agent: C. Diphtheriae
How it spreads: Direct Contact and Droplet air transmission
Symptoms: Can cause mild respiratory disease and skin infections, sore throat, mild fever, swollen glands in neck.
Complications: Extensive neck swelling, upper airway obstruction, myocarditis (heart inflammation), neurological inflammation, osteomyelitis (bone infection), heart failure, respiratory failure, paralysis, and death.
STATS:
Fatality rates: 5-10% with treatment and up to 50% without treatment
Largely eradicated in US since 1997 due to vaccination
Remains globally endemic in parts of Africa, Latin America, Asia, Middle East, and Europe where vaccination programs are suboptimal.

DTP Tetanus

Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis: (DTaP, TDaP)

PROTECTS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, AND PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)

Tetanus Facts:
Agent: Neurotoxin produced by Colstridium Tetani
How it spreads: Not person to person, contaminated wounds
Symptoms: Trismus (severe muscle spasms), Risus Sardonicus( Facial spasms/ distortion), Bone fractures secondary to severity of muscle spasms, sweating, rapid heart rate, inability to maintain blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, airway spasms (laryngospasm), aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary embolism

STATS:
Occurs WORLDWIDE and most common in warmer climates / seasons.
NORMAL bacterial inhabitant of dirt and human / animal intestines.
Tetanus is now concerned RARE in the US due to success of widespread vaccination.
In the US, nearly all cases of Tetanus occur in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
In some countries neonatal tetanus is common due to lack of vaccine in pregnancy and non-sterile deliveries.
Global efforts to vaccinate pregnant mothers and individuals is reducing Tetanus cases worldwide.

Tetanus Facts:
Agent: Neurotoxin produced by Colstridium Tetani
How it spreads: Not person to person, contaminated wounds
Symptoms: Trismus (severe muscle spasms), Risus Sardonicus( Facial spasms/ distortion), Bone fractures secondary to severity of muscle spasms, sweating, rapid heart rate, inability to maintain blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, airway spasms (laryngospasm), aspiration pneumonia and pulmonary embolism
STATS:
Occurs WORLDWIDE and most common in warmer climates / seasons.
NORMAL bacterial inhabitant of dirt and human / animal intestines.
Tetanus is now concerned RARE in the US due to success of widespread vaccination.
In the US, nearly all cases of Tetanus occur in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
In some countries neonatal tetanus is common due to lack of vaccine in pregnancy and non-sterile deliveries.
Global efforts to vaccinate pregnant mothers and individuals is reducing Tetanus cases worldwide.

DTP Pertussis

Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis: (DTaP, TDaP)

PROTECTS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, AND PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Facts:
Agent: Bordetella pertussis
How it spreads: Direct Contact and Air Droplet transmission
Symptoms: Children and Adults: Respiratory illness presenting with runny nose and severe whooping cough, gasping, cough continuing for 6-10 weeks, fainting, weight loss, sleep disturbance, rib fractures from coughing, pneumonia. Commonly called the 100-day cough.
Infants: Gagging, gasping, slow heart rate, apnea (not breathing), pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, ruptured blood vessels in the eyes from coughing, hernias from coughing, respiratory failure, seizures, encephalitis (brain swelling), acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death.

STATS:
Approximately 1 out 3 infants with Pertussis in the US requires hospitalization.
Pneumonia occurring in 13-20% of infants
Fatality rate of 1% in infants under 2 months of age
Neither infection nor vaccination provides long term immunity, which is why booster doses and vaccination with each pregnancy is so vital.
Pertussis is HIGHLY contagious.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Facts:
Agent: Bordetella pertussis
How it spreads: Direct Contact and Air Droplet transmission
Symptoms: Children and Adults: Respiratory illness presenting with runny nose and severe whooping cough, gasping, cough continuing for 6-10 weeks, fainting, weight loss, sleep disturbance, rib fractures from coughing, pneumonia. Commonly called the 100-day cough.
Infants: Gagging, gasping, slow heart rate, apnea (not breathing), pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, ruptured blood vessels in the eyes from coughing, hernias from coughing, respiratory failure, seizures, encephalitis (brain swelling), acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death.
STATS:
Approximately 1 out 3 infants with Pertussis in the US requires hospitalization.
Pneumonia occurring in 13-20% of infants
Fatality rate of 1% in infants under 2 months of age
Neither infection nor vaccination provides long term immunity, which is why booster doses and vaccination with each pregnancy is so vital.
Pertussis is HIGHLY contagious.

DTP Recommendations

Diphtheria, Tetanus,Pertussis: (DTaP, TDaP)

PROTECTS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, AND PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough)

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Dtap Vaccination at 2,4,6, and 15 months of age
Dtap Vaccination at 4 years of age
Tdap Vaccination at 11 years of age
Tdap Vaccination every 5-10 years
Tdap Vaccination with every pregnancy

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Dtap Vaccination at 2,4,6, and 15 months of age
Dtap Vaccination at 4 years of age
Tdap Vaccination at 11 years of age
Tdap Vaccination every 5-10 years
Tdap Vaccination with every pregnancy

Hemophilus influenza

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

PROTECTS AGAINST HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Facts:
Agent: Haemophilus Influenza Type B Bacteria
How it spreads: Air droplet and direct contact
Symptoms: It may present with no symptoms unless the bacteria enters the blood. Symptoms depend on the part of the body that is infected. Can be mild to serious. Causes ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis.
Complications: can include meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), intellectual disability, epiglottitis (life-threatening infection that can block the windpipe and lead to serious breathing problems), pneumonia, septic arthritis, sepsis (severe blood infection,) loss of limbs and death

STATS:
Hib vaccination began in children in 1987 and 1990 for infants. Since introduction of Hib vaccines in the United States, the incidence of invasive H influenzae disease has decreased by more than 99% in young children. From 2020-2024 incidence was highest among young children under 1 yr and older adults 65+ yr for non-typeable bacteria.
Approximately 50% of episodes of acute otitis media and sinusitis in children is caused by H influenzae; 3-6% of H influenzae cases are fatal. Meningitis caused by H Influenzae has a fatality rate of 5%. Epiglottitis ( swelling of the airway) has a 5-10% fatality rate Up to 20% of patients who survive meningitis caused by H Influenzae will have permanent hearing loss.
In 2019, 18 cases of invasive H influenzae were reported in childrens under 5yr. In the United States, invasive H influenzae occurs primarily in underimmunized children and infants too young to complete the series. In American Indian/Alaska Native and resource limited countries, children experience an elevated burden of disease due to sub-optimal coverage.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Facts:
Agent: Haemophilus Influenza Type B Bacteria
How it spreads: Air droplet and direct contact
Symptoms: It may present with no symptoms unless the bacteria enters the blood. Symptoms depend on the part of the body that is infected. Can be mild to serious. Causes ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis.
Complications: can include meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), intellectual disability, epiglottitis (life-threatening infection that can block the windpipe and lead to serious breathing problems), pneumonia, septic arthritis, sepsis (severe blood infection,) loss of limbs and death
STATS:
Hib vaccination began in children in 1987 and 1990 for infants. Since introduction of Hib vaccines in the United States, the incidence of invasive H influenzae disease has decreased by more than 99% in young children. From 2020-2024 incidence was highest among young children under 1 yr and older adults 65+ yr for non-typeable bacteria.
Approximately 50% of episodes of acute otitis media and sinusitis in children is caused by H influenzae; 3-6% of H influenzae cases are fatal. Meningitis caused by H Influenzae has a fatality rate of 5%. Epiglottitis ( swelling of the airway) has a 5-10% fatality rate Up to 20% of patients who survive meningitis caused by H Influenzae will have permanent hearing loss.
In 2019, 18 cases of invasive H influenzae were reported in childrens under 5yr. In the United States, invasive H influenzae occurs primarily in underimmunized children and infants too young to complete the series. In American Indian/Alaska Native and resource limited countries, children experience an elevated burden of disease due to sub-optimal coverage.

Polio

Polio (IPV)

PROTECTS AGAINST POLIO

Polio Facts: Polio (poliomyelitis) is a disabling and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus can infect the spinal cord and lead to paralysis
Agent: Poliovirus
How it spreads: Polio spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person and through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus enters the body through the mouth.
Symptoms: Infected people often have no symptoms. About 1 in 4 people develop flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain.
Complications: Polio can cause meningitis, paralysis, permanent disability, breathing problems, and death. About 2–10% of people with paralytic polio die because the virus affects the muscles used for breathing.

STATS:
About 75% of people infected have no symptoms.
About 1 in 4 infected people develop mild, flu-like symptoms.
Permanent paralysis occurs in approximately 1 out of every 200 to 2,000 infections, depending on the virus type.
Wild poliovirus has been eliminated in the United States since 1979 due to widespread vaccination.
Post polio syndrome- 25-40% of people who survive paralytic polio in childhood can develop muscle weakness and paralysis 15-40- years later.

Polio Facts: Polio (poliomyelitis) is a disabling and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus can infect the spinal cord and lead to paralysis
Agent: Poliovirus
How it spreads: Polio spreads through contact with the stool of an infected person and through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus enters the body through the mouth.
Symptoms: Infected people often have no symptoms. About 1 in 4 people develop flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain.
Complications: Polio can cause meningitis, paralysis, permanent disability, breathing problems, and death. About 2–10% of people with paralytic polio die because the virus affects the muscles used for breathing.
STATS:
About 75% of people infected have no symptoms.
About 1 in 4 infected people develop mild, flu-like symptoms.
Permanent paralysis occurs in approximately 1 out of every 200 to 2,000 infections, depending on the virus type.
Wild poliovirus has been eliminated in the United States since 1979 due to widespread vaccination.
Post polio syndrome- 25-40% of people who survive paralytic polio in childhood can develop muscle weakness and paralysis 15-40- years later.

MEASLES, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

PROTECTS AGAINST MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA

Measles Facts:
Agent: Measles virus
How it spreads: Direct contact with droplets and AIRBORNE. One of the most highly contagious infectious disease. 90% transmission rate
Symptoms: Fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, rash that begins on face, Koplik spots
Complications: Otitis media, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis(croup), diarrhea, encephalitis resulting in neurological deficits.
Measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE).
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can occur 7-11 years after illness.
Immune system impairment and dysfunction for several years after illness.

STATS:
NO specific antiviral therapy is available for Measles treatment.
Humans are the only natural host of Measles Virus.
US licensed Measles vaccine in 1963.
Between 1963 and year 2000 rates of Measles dropped by 99% and reached elimination status.
Due to falling vaccination rates and international travel, Measles is again on the rise.
Measles leads to complications in up to 30% of cases, and 1 in 5 unvaccinated people require hospitalization.
Fatality rate: Fatality rate: 1-3/1,000 die from respiratory or neurologic complacations

Measles Facts:
Agent: Measles virus
How it spreads: Direct contact with droplets and AIRBORNE. One of the most highly contagious infectious disease. 90% transmission rate
Symptoms: Fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, rash that begins on face, Koplik spots
Complications: Otitis media, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis(croup), diarrhea, encephalitis resulting in neurological deficits.
Measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE).
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can occur 7-11 years after illness.
Immune system impairment and dysfunction for several years after illness.
STATS:
NO specific antiviral therapy is available for Measles treatment.
Humans are the only natural host of Measles Virus.
US licensed Measles vaccine in 1963.
Between 1963 and year 2000 rates of Measles dropped by 99% and reached elimination status.
Due to falling vaccination rates and international travel, Measles is again on the rise.
Measles leads to complications in up to 30% of cases, and 1 in 5 unvaccinated people require hospitalization.
Fatality rate: Fatality rate: 1-3/1,000 die from respiratory or neurologic complacations

Measles, MUMPS, Rubella (MMR)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

PROTECTS AGAINST MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA

Mumps Facts:
Agent: Enveloped RNA virus genus Rubulavirus virus (not Rubella)
How it spreads: Contact with respiratory droplets and saliva
Symptoms: 20% asymptomatic, Parotitis ( swollen salivary glands under the jaw), fever, headaches, tiredness and muscle pain
Complications: Orchitis (testicular swelling/inflammation) in 30% of unvaccinated cases, testicular atrophy, oophoritis (inflammation of ovaries)
Viral meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, cerebellar ataxia, and transverse myelitis
Arthritis, thyroiditis, pancreatitis, mastitis, glomerulonephritis (kidney damage), myocarditis (heart damage), cardial fibroelastosis, thrombocytopenia

STATS:
NO specific antiviral therapy is available for Measles treatment.
Humans are the only natural host of Measles Virus.
US licensed Measles vaccine in 1963
Between 1963 and year 2000 rates of Measles dropped by 99% and reached elimination status
Due to falling vaccination rates and international travel, Measles is again on the rise
Measles leads to complications in up to 30% of cases, and 1 in 5 unvaccinated people require hospitalization
Fatality rate: Fatality rate: 1-3/1,000 die from respiratory or neurologic complacations

Mumps Facts:
Agent: Enveloped RNA virus genus Rubulavirus virus (not Rubella)
How it spreads: Contact with respiratory droplets and saliva
Symptoms: 20% asymptomatic, Parotitis ( swollen salivary glands under the jaw), fever, headaches, tiredness and muscle pain
Complications: Orchitis (testicular swelling/inflammation) in 30% of unvaccinated cases, testicular atrophy, oophoritis (inflammation of ovaries)
Viral meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, cerebellar ataxia, and transverse myelitis
Arthritis, thyroiditis, pancreatitis, mastitis, glomerulonephritis (kidney damage), myocarditis (heart damage), cardial fibroelastosis, thrombocytopenia
STATS:
NO specific antiviral therapy is available for Measles treatment.
Humans are the only natural host of Measles Virus.
US licensed Measles vaccine in 1963
Between 1963 and year 2000 rates of Measles dropped by 99% and reached elimination status
Due to falling vaccination rates and international travel, Measles is again on the rise
Measles leads to complications in up to 30% of cases, and 1 in 5 unvaccinated people require hospitalization
Fatality rate: Fatality rate: 1-3/1,000 die from respiratory or neurologic complacations

Measles, Mumps, RUBELLA (MMR)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

PROTECTS AGAINST MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA

Rubella Facts:
Agent: Enveloped positive stranded RNA virus called Rubivirus
How it spreads: Direct contact or droplet contact and across the placenta during pregnancy
Symptoms: 25-50% cases are asymptomatic
Fever, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, cough, headache, coryza, transient arthritis are other symptoms
Complications: Encephalitis ( swelling of the brain) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets), pneumonia
Pregnant Mothers: Congenital Rubella Syndrome: maternal rubella infection can results in miscarriage, infant death, congenital anomalies such as cataracts, retinopathy, microphthalmos, hearing loss,neurological impacts, microcephaly, developmental delays.
Most impact occurs in 1st trimester of pregnancy.

STATS:
Humans are the only natural host.
Before widespread vaccination, Rubella was an epidemic disease. Since the 1970’s Rubella has decreased by 99% and declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2004.
Less than 10 cases annually are reported in the US due to import/travel. Rubella cases currently are connected to international travel/ births outside the U.S

Rubella Facts:
Agent: Enveloped positive stranded RNA virus called Rubivirus
How it spreads: Direct contact or droplet contact and across the placenta during pregnancy
Symptoms: 25-50% cases are asymptomatic
Fever, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, cough, headache, coryza, transient arthritis are other symptoms
Complications: Encephalitis ( swelling of the brain) and thrombocytopenia (low platelets), pneumonia
Pregnant Mothers: Congenital Rubella Syndrome: maternal rubella infection can results in miscarriage, infant death, congenital anomalies such as cataracts, retinopathy, microphthalmos, hearing loss,neurological impacts, microcephaly, developmental delays.
Most impact occurs in 1st trimester of pregnancy.
STATS:
Humans are the only natural host.
Before widespread vaccination, Rubella was an epidemic disease. Since the 1970’s Rubella has decreased by 99% and declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2004.
Less than 10 cases annually are reported in the US due to import/travel. Rubella cases currently are connected to international travel/ births outside the U.S

VARICELLA (VZV)

Varicella (VZV)

PROTECTS AGAINST CHICKENPOX

VZV (Varicella Zoster) Facts:
Agent: Varicella Zoster Virus
How it spreads: This highly contagious virus spreads through air and direct contact with an incubation period of 10-21 days.
It is contagious 1-2 days before rash appears AND until all lesions have crusted.
Symptoms: It presents with an itchy, vesicular rash with about 250-500 lesions.
Tiredness, headache, and fever occur prior to rash.
Incubation range is 10-21 days.
Complications: Can include infected blisters,sepsis, bleeding disorders, encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia, and death.

STATS:
In the pre-vaccine era, the incident rate was about 4 million per year, affecting those 15 years of age and younger (90% of this group affected). Now with vaccines there are less than 150,000 chickenpox cases, fewer than 1,400 hospitalizations each year and less than 30 deaths per year.
With universal immunization in the US, in 1995, varicella incidence rate declined by approximately by 98% in all groups.
Vaccine developed in 1970’s. Has been available in the US since 1995. The quad vaccine MMRV was licensed in 2005.
Two doses gives 92-95% effectiveness
Chicken pox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness with hospitalization and deaths are now rare.

VZV (Varicella Zoster) Facts:
Agent: Varicella Zoster Virus
How it spreads: This highly contagious virus spreads through air and direct contact with an incubation period of 10-21 days.
It is contagious 1-2 days before rash appears AND until all lesions have crusted.
Symptoms: It presents with an itchy, vesicular rash with about 250-500 lesions.
Tiredness, headache, and fever occur prior to rash.
Incubation range is 10-21 days.
Complications: Can include infected blisters,sepsis, bleeding disorders, encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia, and death.
STATS:
In the pre-vaccine era, the incident rate was about 4 million per year, affecting those 15 years of age and younger (90% of this group affected). Now with vaccines there are less than 150,000 chickenpox cases, fewer than 1,400 hospitalizations each year and less than 30 deaths per year.
With universal immunization in the US, in 1995, varicella incidence rate declined by approximately by 98% in all groups.
Vaccine developed in 1970’s. Has been available in the US since 1995. The quad vaccine MMRV was licensed in 2005.
Two doses gives 92-95% effectiveness
Chicken pox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe illness with hospitalization and deaths are now rare.

HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A (Hep A)

PROTECTS AGAINST HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A (Hep A) Facts:
Agent: Hepatitis A Virus
How it spreads: Person to person via fecal oral route (poop to mouth), contaminated water or food.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain,nausea and vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, and joint pain.
Duration of symptoms is typically 2 months but in rare cases can last as long as 6 months.
Complications: Generally self-limited.

STATS:
In the US Hepatitis A infections have decreased by 95% since 1996 due to success of vaccination.
Localized outbreaks occur, especially in high risk populations.
Outbreaks are associated with high risk people groups: food handlers, healthcare institutions, schools, daycares, raw produce consumption, raw oyster or mussel consumption, and contaminated water sources

Hepatitis A (Hep A) Facts:
Agent: Hepatitis A Virus
How it spreads: Person to person via fecal oral route (poop to mouth), contaminated water or food.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain,nausea and vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, and joint pain.
Duration of symptoms is typically 2 months but in rare cases can last as long as 6 months.
Complications: Generally self-limited.
STATS:
In the US Hepatitis A infections have decreased by 95% since 1996 due to success of vaccination.
Localized outbreaks occur, especially in high risk populations.
Outbreaks are associated with high risk people groups: food handlers, healthcare institutions, schools, daycares, raw produce consumption, raw oyster or mussel consumption, and contaminated water sources

ROTAVIRUS (ROTA)

Rotavirus (ROTA)

PROTECTS AGAINST ROTAVIRUS

Rotavirus (ROTA) Facts:
Agent: Rotavirus
How it spreads: Person to Person Fecal Oral Route. Virus can remain viable for WEEKS to MONTHS on contaminated environmental surfaces and toys.
Symptoms: Acute vomiting, followed by 24-48 hours of severe watery diarrhea, stomach pain and fever. Symptoms last 3-7 days.
Complications: Can have prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, and seizures if cerebrospinal fluid involvement.

STATS:
Infants and Children 3 months of age to 35 months of age are highest risk for severe disease.
Prior to widespread vaccination in 2006, rotavirus was the most common cause of community acquired gastroenteritis and diarrhea in young children.
Since 2008, annual hospitalizations for rotavirus disease in US children under 5 years of age have declined by 75%. This equates to 40-50 THOUSAND fewer hospitalizations in this age group.
Reduces risk of hospitalizations from rotavirus by 80-90%.

Rotavirus (ROTA) Facts:
Agent: Rotavirus
How it spreads: Person to Person Fecal Oral Route. Virus can remain viable for WEEKS to MONTHS on contaminated environmental surfaces and toys.
Symptoms: Acute vomiting, followed by 24-48 hours of severe watery diarrhea, stomach pain and fever. Symptoms last 3-7 days.
Complications: Can have prolonged diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, and seizures if cerebrospinal fluid involvement.
STATS:
Infants and Children 3 months of age to 35 months of age are highest risk for severe disease.
Prior to widespread vaccination in 2006, rotavirus was the most common cause of community acquired gastroenteritis and diarrhea in young children.
Since 2008, annual hospitalizations for rotavirus disease in US children under 5 years of age have declined by 75%. This equates to 40-50 THOUSAND fewer hospitalizations in this age group.
Reduces risk of hospitalizations from rotavirus by 80-90%.

ROTAVIRUS (ROTA) Recommendations

Rotavirus (ROTA)

PROTECTS AGAINST ROTAVIRUS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Rotateq: Rotavirus oral vaccination at 2,4, and 6 months of age and completed before 8 months of age
Rotarix: Rotavirus oral vaccination at 2 and 4 months of age and completed before 8 months of age

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Rotateq: Rotavirus oral vaccination at 2,4, and 6 months of age and completed before 8 months of age
Rotarix: Rotavirus oral vaccination at 2 and 4 months of age and completed before 8 months of age

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

PROTECTS AGAINST HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS

Human Papilloma Virus Facts:
Agent: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
How it spreads: HPV spreads through intimate direct skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms: Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own. Some types can cause genital warts, while others may lead to cancer years after infection.
Complications: Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own. Some types can cause genital warts, while others may lead to cancer years after infection.

STATS:
HPV causes approximately 36,000 cases of cancer each year in the United States.
The CDC states that HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Routine vaccination is recommended beginning at ages 11–12, and vaccination can start as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for those not adequately vaccinated. Agent: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, and nearly everyone who is not vaccinated will get HPV at some point in their lives.
About 13 million people in the U.S. become infected with HPV each year with about 9 out of 10 HPV infections clearing on their own within 2 years.

Human Papilloma Virus Facts:
Agent: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
How it spreads: HPV spreads through intimate direct skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person.
Symptoms: Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own. Some types can cause genital warts, while others may lead to cancer years after infection.
Complications: Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own. Some types can cause genital warts, while others may lead to cancer years after infection.
STATS:
HPV causes approximately 36,000 cases of cancer each year in the United States.
The CDC states that HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Routine vaccination is recommended beginning at ages 11–12, and vaccination can start as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for those not adequately vaccinated. Agent: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, and nearly everyone who is not vaccinated will get HPV at some point in their lives.
About 13 million people in the U.S. become infected with HPV each year with about 9 out of 10 HPV infections clearing on their own within 2 years.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Recommendations

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

PROTECTS AGAINST HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Routine vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 years of age
2 dose series if started prior to 15th birthday
3 dose series if started 15th birthday or older
Licensed as young as 9 years of age

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Routine vaccination between the ages of 11 and 14 years of age
2 dose series if started prior to 15th birthday
3 dose series if started 15th birthday or older
Licensed as young as 9 years of age

Meningococcal

Meningococcal ACYW & Meningococcal B (MCV4, MenB)

PROTECTS AGAINST MENINGOCOCCUS

Human Papilloma Virus Facts:
Agent: Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, W, and B
How it spreads: ASYMPTOMATIC colonization of upper respiratory tract, person to person droplet and contact transmission.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, chills, fatigue, body aches, leg pain, petechial or purpuric rash ( deep purple rash).
Complications: Sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, pericarditis, increased intracranial pressure (brain swelling), loss of limbs due to decreased blood flow / ischemia, blood clots, pulmonary edema, stroke, shock, coma and death can happen in HOURS from onset DESPITE adequate medical treatment.

STATS:
Fatality rate of 15% despite treatment. Sequela of survivors includes hearing loss, neurological deficits, developmental disabilities, limb amputations, skin scarring
Currently more than 75% of cases are caused by serogroups B, C, Y, or W and are vaccine preventable.
Vaccination initiatives started in 2005 in the US for 11-12 year olds and booster recommendation at age 16 in 2010.
Outbreaks occur in communities and institutions including child care centers, schools, colleges, and military.

Human Papilloma Virus Facts:
Agent: Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, W, and B
How it spreads: ASYMPTOMATIC colonization of upper respiratory tract, person to person droplet and contact transmission.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, chills, fatigue, body aches, leg pain, petechial or purpuric rash ( deep purple rash).
Complications: Sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, pericarditis, increased intracranial pressure (brain swelling), loss of limbs due to decreased blood flow / ischemia, blood clots, pulmonary edema, stroke, shock, coma and death can happen in HOURS from onset DESPITE adequate medical treatment.
STATS:
Fatality rate of 15% despite treatment. Sequela of survivors includes hearing loss, neurological deficits, developmental disabilities, limb amputations, skin scarring
Currently more than 75% of cases are caused by serogroups B, C, Y, or W and are vaccine preventable.
Vaccination initiatives started in 2005 in the US for 11-12 year olds and booster recommendation at age 16 in 2010.
Outbreaks occur in communities and institutions including child care centers, schools, colleges, and military.

Meningococcal

Meningococcal ACYW & Meningococcal B (MCV4, MenB)

PROTECTS AGAINST MENINGOCOCCUS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Routine vaccination for all children with MCV4 at age 11 years.
Routine vaccination of MCV4 combined with Men B for all teens at age of 16 years.
Booster dose of Men B for all teens, 6 months after 1st dose.
For High Risk Children / Conditions, local outbreak, or certain travel risks, a single dose of MCV4 should be administered at 2 months-10 years of age.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Routine vaccination for all children with MCV4 at age 11 years.
Routine vaccination of MCV4 combined with Men B for all teens at age of 16 years.
Booster dose of Men B for all teens, 6 months after 1st dose.
For High Risk Children / Conditions, local outbreak, or certain travel risks, a single dose of MCV4 should be administered at 2 months-10 years of age.

Influenza (Flu)

PROTECTS AGAINST INFLUENZA

Influenza Facts:
Agent: Influenza viruses (primarily Influenza A and Influenza B). Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
How it spreads: Through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Can spread the virus before symptoms begin and while present.
Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation, and staying away from others when sick.
Symptoms: Fever or Chills, Cough, Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Muscle Aches or Body Aches, Headache, Fatigue, Sometimes Vomiting and Diarrhea (more common in children)
Complications: Pneumonia, Ear and Sinus Infections, Worsening of Chronic Conditions (eg asthma, diabetes, heart disease), Hospitalization, Death in Severe Cases

STATS:
Annual Flu Illnesses: 9.4 - 51 Million
Annual Hospitalizations: 120,000 - 710,000
Annual Deaths: 6,300 - 52,000.
It can range from mild to severe and can occasionally be fatal. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of flu and its serious complications.

Influenza Facts:
Agent: Influenza viruses (primarily Influenza A and Influenza B). Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
How it spreads: Through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Can spread the virus before symptoms begin and while present.
Prevention measures include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation, and staying away from others when sick.
Symptoms: Fever or Chills, Cough, Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Muscle Aches or Body Aches, Headache, Fatigue, Sometimes Vomiting and Diarrhea (more common in children)
Complications: Pneumonia, Ear and Sinus Infections, Worsening of Chronic Conditions (eg asthma, diabetes, heart disease), Hospitalization, Death in Severe Cases
STATS:
Annual Flu Illnesses: 9.4 - 51 Million
Annual Hospitalizations: 120,000 - 710,000
Annual Deaths: 6,300 - 52,000.
It can range from mild to severe and can occasionally be fatal. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of flu and its serious complications.

Influenza (Flu) Recommendations

Influenza (Flu)

PROTECTS AGAINST INFLUENZA

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Annual flu vaccine beginning at 6 months of age!
Children younger than 9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time require 2 doses of Influenza vaccine in the same flu season dosed at least 4 weeks apart.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION:
ROUTINE VACCINATION!
Annual flu vaccine beginning at 6 months of age!
Children younger than 9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time require 2 doses of Influenza vaccine in the same flu season dosed at least 4 weeks apart.

Aluminum

VACCINE ADJUVANT

Aluminum Facts:
Agent: Aluminum
How it functions: When added to a vaccine, it makes it more effective at a lower dose allowing for the vaccination of more individuals.
Using aluminum in combination vaccines further reduces the doses of each individual agent required to produce an immunologic response.
Aluminum is used in some vaccines, but is is comparable to what is found in most breast milk and formula. The amount is safe and regulated and limited to 0.85mg per dose.

STATS:
Aluminum is the 3rd most common element in our environment, and all humans are exposed no matter what.
Aluminum exposure takes place naturally in daily life through food, air, water, soil, plants, formula, breastmilk, medicine, packaging, and cosmetics.
On average an adult consumes 7-9 mg daily and an infant consumes 5-127 mg in the first 6 months of life.

Aluminum Facts:
Agent: Aluminum
How it functions: When added to a vaccine, it makes it more effective at a lower dose allowing for the vaccination of more individuals.
Using aluminum in combination vaccines further reduces the doses of each individual agent required to produce an immunologic response.
Aluminum is used in some vaccines, but is is comparable to what is found in most breast milk and formula. The amount is safe and regulated and limited to 0.85mg per dose.
STATS:
Aluminum is the 3rd most common element in our environment, and all humans are exposed no matter what.
Aluminum exposure takes place naturally in daily life through food, air, water, soil, plants, formula, breastmilk, medicine, packaging, and cosmetics.
On average an adult consumes 7-9 mg daily and an infant consumes 5-127 mg in the first 6 months of life.

Mercury

Mercury in Thimerosal

VACCINE PRESERVATIVE

Mercury Facts:
Agent: Ethyl mercury is the active ingredient in Thimerosal. In the early years of vaccine development and production, they were dispensed in multidose vials. Each time a needle was introduced into the vial to aspirate a single dose, there was a risk of introducing bacteria, which put future injection recipients at risk of infection at their injection site.
The solution was to use a very, very small amount of Thimersal which contained ethyl mercury to inhibit growth of any inadvertent bacterial contaminants.
Controversy and Confusion: Ethyl mercury is often confused with the methyl mercury. Methyl mercury is an industrial waste product with a sordid history in Japan. After it was released into the ocean, it contaminated the fish which makes up a great bulk of the Japanese food supply causing Minimata's disease, a severe fetal neurodegenerative condition.
Ethyl mercury is cleared from the body very quickly and does not build up in the same way as methyl mercury, and so it did not cause harm. The CDC, FDA, and multiple scientific reviews state that thimerosal-containing vaccines have a strong safety record.

However, in 1999, U.S. public health agencies and vaccine manufacturers agreed to reduce or remove thimerosal from childhood vaccines as a precautionary measure, even though there was no evidence that the amounts used were harmful. By 2001, it had been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in routinely recommended childhood vaccines.
In the US, routine childhood single-dose vaccine vials do not contain thimerosal, and MMR, varicella (chickenpox), IPV (polio), and pneumococcal vaccines never have. Single-dose flu shots and prefilled syringes are thimerosal-free (this is what we use at Storybook).
Some multi-dose influenza (flu) vaccine vials, and certain formulations of Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine may contain trace amounts from the manufacturing process.
Numerous studies in the U.S. and other countries have found no evidence that the low doses of thimerosal used in vaccines cause autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Mercury Facts:
Agent: Ethyl mercury is the active ingredient in Thimerosal. In the early years of vaccine development and production, they were dispensed in multidose vials. Each time a needle was introduced into the vial to aspirate a single dose, there was a risk of introducing bacteria, which put future injection recipients at risk of infection at their injection site.
The solution was to use a very, very small amount of Thimersal which contained ethyl mercury to inhibit growth of any inadvertent bacterial contaminants.
Controversy and Confusion: Ethyl mercury is often confused with the methyl mercury. Methyl mercury is an industrial waste product with a sordid history in Japan. After it was released into the ocean, it contaminated the fish which makes up a great bulk of the Japanese food supply causing Minimata's disease, a severe fetal neurodegenerative condition.
Ethyl mercury is cleared from the body very quickly and does not build up in the same way as methyl mercury, and so it did not cause harm. The CDC, FDA, and multiple scientific reviews state that thimerosal-containing vaccines have a strong safety record.
However, in 1999, U.S. public health agencies and vaccine manufacturers agreed to reduce or remove thimerosal from childhood vaccines as a precautionary measure, even though there was no evidence that the amounts used were harmful. By 2001, it had been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in routinely recommended childhood vaccines.
In the US, routine childhood single-dose vaccine vials do not contain thimerosal, and MMR, varicella (chickenpox), IPV (polio), and pneumococcal vaccines never have. Single-dose flu shots and prefilled syringes are thimerosal-free (this is what we use at Storybook).
Some multi-dose influenza (flu) vaccine vials, and certain formulations of Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine may contain trace amounts from the manufacturing process.
Numerous studies in the U.S. and other countries have found no evidence that the low doses of thimerosal used in vaccines cause autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Mercury

Mercury in Thimerosal

VACCINE PRESERVATIVE

Multidose Flu Vaccine - Ethyl Μercury - Approx 25 μcg per dose
Tuna, Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel - Μethyl Mercury - Can contain tens to hundreds of μcg per serving
Environmental Exposure (air, water, & soil) - Mostly Μethyl Mercury - Ongoing low-level exposure
Broken Mercury Thermometer - Elemental Mercury - Potentially significant if inhaled

Source

Multidose Flu Vaccine

Type of Mercury

Ethyl Μercury

Approximate Exposure

Approx 25 μcg per dose

Tuna, Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel

Μethyl Mercury

Can contain tens to hundreds of μcg per serving

Environmental Exposure (air, water, & soil)

Mostly Μethyl Mercury

Ongoing low-level exposure

Broken Mercury Thermometer

Elemental Mercury

Potentially significant if inhaled

Number of Vaccines

VACCINE PRESERVATIVE

Birth–18 months: ~22–27 vaccine doses protecting against 10+ serious diseases.
Age 4–6 years: 4 booster doses before school entry.
Age 9 years: 1 offered (HPV offered yearly until series complete).
Age 10 years: 2 offered (Tdap & HPV).
 Age 11–12 years: 3 adolescent vaccines but only 2 adolescent vaccines if Tdap already given at age 10 years (Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal).
Age 15 years: 1 offered (HPV if 2 not already given prior).
 AAge 16 years: 2 vaccines (meningococcal booster and Men B).
Age 17 years: 2 offered (MenB booster and Tdap if more than 5 yrs since last Tdap)
 Influenza: 1 dose every year beginning at 6 months of age.

Children receive most vaccines in groups during routine well-child visits at birth, 2, 4, 6, 12–15, and 15–18 months, with minimum intervals ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on the vaccine series.
The exact number can vary based on vaccine brand, combination vaccines, catch-up schedules, and medical conditions.

Birth–18 months: ~22–27 vaccine doses protecting against 10+ serious diseases.
Age 4–6 years: 4 booster doses before school entry.
Age 9 years: 1 offered (HPV offered yearly until series complete).
Age 10 years: 2 offered (Tdap & HPV).
 Age 11–12 years: 3 adolescent vaccines but only 2 adolescent vaccines if Tdap already given at age 10 years (Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal).
Age 15 years: 1 offered (HPV if 2 not already given prior).
 AAge 16 years: 2 vaccines (meningococcal booster and Men B).
Age 17 years: 2 offered (MenB booster and Tdap if more than 5 yrs since last Tdap)
 Influenza: 1 dose every year beginning at 6 months of age.
Children receive most vaccines in groups during routine well-child visits at birth, 2, 4, 6, 12–15, and 15–18 months, with minimum intervals ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on the vaccine series.
The exact number can vary based on vaccine brand, combination vaccines, catch-up schedules, and medical conditions.

Number of Vaccines at one time

Number of Vaccines Given at One Time

Should I do a delayed schedule? Am I overwhelming my child’s immune system?
Natural Immunity vs Immunization: Although it may take several doses of a vaccine to produce long lasting immunity this comes without the potential side effects / adverse outcomes of contracting the illness itself. Several immunizations produce better immunity than natural infection such as: HPV, HIB, Tetanus, and PCV.
Immune System Capabilities: Your child’s immune system is fierce, wonderfully made, and complex! From the time they leave the sterile environment of the their mother’s womb their immune system is immediately bombarded with pathogens and begins its training to defend your child. Within a week of birth your child has already been colonized with thousands of bacterias.

Your child’s immune system manages thousands of pathogens every day. Theoretically the immune system could response to about 10,000 vaccines in one day. That is how good their immune system is at antibody production! It is amazing! The vaccines given to children are just a blip on the radar for their phenomenal and competent immune systems!
Delaying Vaccines: If a child or infant is old enough to contract and be harmed by they viral and bacterial illnesses that are vaccine preventable then they are old enough to receive protection. Delayed schedules leave your child vulnerable to illness. Delaying and following an alternate schedule leaves your child open to vaccine errors, inappropriate spacing intervals, often more injections, and inadequate protection.

Should I do a delayed schedule? Am I overwhelming my child’s immune system?
Natural Immunity vs Immunization: Although it may take several doses of a vaccine to produce long lasting immunity this comes without the potential side effects / adverse outcomes of contracting the illness itself. Several immunizations produce better immunity than natural infection such as: HPV, HIB, Tetanus, and PCV.
Immune System Capabilities: Your child’s immune system is fierce, wonderfully made, and complex! From the time they leave the sterile environment of the their mother’s womb their immune system is immediately bombarded with pathogens and begins its training to defend your child. Within a week of birth your child has already been colonized with thousands of bacterias.
Your child’s immune system manages thousands of pathogens every day. Theoretically the immune system could response to about 10,000 vaccines in one day. That is how good their immune system is at antibody production! It is amazing! The vaccines given to children are just a blip on the radar for their phenomenal and competent immune systems!
Delaying Vaccines: If a child or infant is old enough to contract and be harmed by they viral and bacterial illnesses that are vaccine preventable then they are old enough to receive protection. Delayed schedules leave your child vulnerable to illness. Delaying and following an alternate schedule leaves your child open to vaccine errors, inappropriate spacing intervals, often more injections, and inadequate protection.

Schedule Spacing

Vaccine Schedule Spacing

The childhood immunization schedule does not require a fixed spacing between different vaccines given at the same visit. Many vaccines are administered together. However, there are minimum intervals between doses of the same vaccine series. Most vaccines can be given during the same visit without waiting periods between them. The vaccine schedule has been extensively studied and is safe and is recommended for the best immunity / immune response for your child based on their age. Vaccine research has been an international effort.

Vaccine

Hepatitis B

Rotavirus

Dtap

Polio (IPV)

Hib

PCV

MMR

Varicella

Hepatitis A

HPV

Meningococcal, MCV4

MenB

Influenza

Minimum Interval between doses

Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 8 weeks and at least 16 weeks after Dose 1

4 weeks between dose

Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months; Dose 4 to 5: 6 months

Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks: Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 4 weeks, Routine scheduling Dose 1 to 2: 3 years

Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 3 months, Routing scheduling Dose 1 to 2: 3 years

Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 6 months

Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 6 months (when given between ages of 9 to 15 years

Dose 1 to 2: 5 years

Dose 1 to 2: 6 months

1 dose per season (annually)

Vaccine & Minimum Interval between doses

Hepatitis B: Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 8 weeks and at least 16 weeks after Dose 1

Rotavirus: 4 weeks between dose

Dtap: Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months; Dose 4 to 5: 6 months

Polio (IPV): Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

Hib: Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks; Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

PCV: Dose 1 to 2: 4 weeks; Dose 2 to 3: 4 weeks: Dose 3 to 4: 6 months

MMR: Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 4 weeks, Routine scheduling Dose 1 to 2: 3 years

Varicella: Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 3 months, Routing scheduling Dose 1 to 2: 3 years

Hepatitis A: Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 6 months

HPV: Dose 1 to 2: Minimum 6 months (when given between ages of 9 to 15 years

Meningococcal, MCV4: Dose 1 to 2: 5 years

MenB: Dose 1 to 2: 6 months

Influenza: 1 dose per season (annually)

Fetal Cells

Vaccines impacted in the United States:
Varicella, MMR (rubella portion), Hepatitis A, and Rabies vaccine (Imovax only)
Viruses need living cells to grow and replicate. Fetal fibroblast cells are used to grow viruses for vaccine manufacturing.
There are two fetal cell lines used for vaccines. These cells were first obtained from two elective abortions in the 1960’s. These cell lines have been maintained and grown in a laboratory setting since the 1960’s. No further fetal cells have been needed or utilized for vaccine production in the United States. The use of vaccines does not support ongoing abortion or require ongoing abortion or new fetal cells.

Information Resources

Dtap/ Tdap
Hepatitis B
Polio vaccine
PCV
Hib
ROTA
MMR
MMR
MMR
Varicella
Hep A
MCV4 / MenB
HPV
Influenza

Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Mercury
Mercury
Why The Schedule Works
Immune System Resources
Immune System Resources
Fetal Cells
Widely Used Resources
American Academy of Pediatircis REDBOOK 33rd edition 2024-2027
CHOP

Dtap/ Tdap
Hepatitis B
Polio vaccine
PCV
Hib
ROTA
MMR
MMR
MMR
Varicella
Hep A
MCV4 / Men B
HPV
Influenza
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum
Mercury
Mercury
Why The Schedule Works
Immune System Resources
Immune System Resources
Fetal Cells
Widely Used Resources
American Academy of Pediatircis REDBOOK 33rd edition 2024-2027
CHOP