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

What is the hepatitis A vaccine, and who should receive it?

Hepatitis A is an acute viral illness that is spread through contaminated water and food. It is less common in the United States, but is still a common cause of hepatitis worldwide. The disease is very common in many other parts of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Western Pacific, and Asia. It is primarily prevented by using good hygiene and through vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccine is routinely given to children; however, it is only recommended for certain high-risk adolescents and adults. Foreign travel is the most common reason for adults and adolescents to receive hepatitis A vaccination. For specific guidance and a list of higher-risk groups, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A- 5D for adults.

What is the hepatitis B vaccine, and who should receive it?

Hepatitis B is an acute viral illness that is primarily spread through the exposure to body fluids of an infected individual. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and is highly contagious. Approximately 50% of infected individuals will be asymptomatic (have no symptoms of the disease). Most cases resolve without long-term complications; however, 1%-2% will develop chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis B vaccine is given routinely to children. Adolescents who did not receive their three-shot series as a child should be given the vaccine. Adults are not routinely given the hepatitis B vaccine unless they belong to certain high-risk groups. One high-risk group is health-care workers. For specific guidance and a list of higher-risk groups, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A-5D for adults.