1. Travel Health and Vaccines Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

Dr. Eddie Hooker is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Louisville and at Wright State University. His areas of expertise include emergency medicine, epidemiology, health-services management, and public health.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is the vaccination schedule for adolescents?
• What is the vaccination schedule for adults?
• If I am pregnant, what vaccines can and should I get?
• I am a healthcare worker, do I need any different vaccines?
• What is the Td/Tdap vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the HPV vaccine, and who should get it?
• What is the meningococcal vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the MMR vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the varicella vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the pneumococcal vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the influenza vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the hepatitis A vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the hepatitis B vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the polio vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the zoster vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the typhoid vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the yellow fever vaccine, and who should receive it?
• What is the rabies vaccine and who should receive it?
• What is the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and who should receive it?
• Where can I find additional information on immunizations?
• Immunizations Index

If I am pregnant, what vaccines can and should I get?

The concerns surrounding the dangers of vaccines during pregnancy is mostly theoretical. The concern is related to the risk of transfer to the fetus. There is no evidence of any risk associated with the use of inactivated (killed) vaccines in pregnant women. The biggest concern is related to the use of live vaccines. While the risk is extremely low, the concern is that the live virus will be transferred from the mother to the fetus. There must be a discussion between the physician and the mother whenever a live vaccine is considered during pregnancy. The CDC has issued a guide to help expectant mothers and physicians make good decisions related to the risk and benefits of using a vaccine during pregnancy (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm). Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and rabies vaccine are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

I am a health-care worker, do I need any different vaccines?

It is very important that health-care workers are up to date on all of their required vaccines. Additionally, the CDC recommends that health-care workers receive varicella (chickenpox) vaccine unless there is proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or documented history of the disease. Also, health-care workers with direct patient contact are required to receive one dose of the pertussis-containing tetanus shot (Tdap). For the complete recommendations, please consult the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/hcw.htm.