The hepatitis A vaccine protects against the hepatitis A virus. This is a severe liver illness typically transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected individual. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to liver failure in rare cases. Vaccination is crucial, especially for travelers to endemic regions, individuals with chronic liver conditions, and those at occupational or lifestyle risk. This vaccine provides long-term immunity, offering effective protection against hepatitis A infection.

Dosage:

• Children need 2 doses: the first dose is 12–23 months of age, and the second dose is at least 6 months after the first dose.
• Adults require 2-4 doses, depending on the vaccination.

The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus. This virus can cause both acute and chronic liver disease, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through exposure to infectious blood or body fluids, such as from mother to baby at birth, through sexual contact, or by sharing needles. Vaccination is critical for preventing the disease and its severe consequences. This vaccine provides long-term immunity, offering effective protection against hepatitis B infection.

Dosage:

• Children: three doses: first at birth, second at 1-2 months, and third between 6 and 18 months.
• Adults: first dose at initial visit, second one-month post-initial dose, third six-month post-initial dose. A 4-dose plan may be recommended for specific individuals.

The influenza vaccine protects against the influenza virus, which causes the flu. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe and can lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in young children and elderly individuals with certain health conditions. Vaccination is essential to prevent the spread of the flu and reduce the severity of the illness.

Dosage:

• Children aged 6 months to 8 years need 2 doses of the first vaccine, given at least 4 weeks after the first.
• Previously vaccinated children need one annual dose.
• Adults typically need one dose annually, with specific recommendations for those with weakened immune systems or health conditions.

The zoster vaccine protects against shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Shingles can lead to severe pain and complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain) and, in rare cases, vision loss or neurological problems. Vaccination is essential for preventing shingles and its complications, particularly in older adults, who are at higher risk.

Dosage:

• Adults aged 50 years and older, and it requires two doses; the first dose is given at an initial visit. The second dose is administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose.

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness; diphtheria can lead to breathing problems and heart failure; and pertussis causes severe coughing spells. Vaccination is crucial for preventing these potentially life-threatening diseases, especially for infants, pregnant women, and individuals in close contact with infants.

Dosage:

• Children: Typically given in a series of 5 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with boosters at 15–18 months and 4-6 years.
• Adults: A single Tdap dose is recommended at ages 11–12. Adults should receive a Tdap booster every 10 years.

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles, and rubella. These diseases can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and congenital rubella syndrome. Vaccination is essential to prevent outbreaks and ensure herd immunity.

Dosage:

• Children: The first dose is given at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is administered at 4-6 years of age.
• Adults: At least one dose if not previously vaccinated.

The Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacteria that can cause severe infections, particularly in young children, including meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. Vaccination is critical to preventing these potentially life-threatening conditions.

Dosage:

• Children: Typically given in a series of 3 or 4 doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.

The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and other cancers, as well as genital warts. Vaccination is crucial for cancer prevention and reducing the spread of HPV.

Dosage:

• Preteens and teens are advised to take two doses that should be started before the 15th birthday, with the second dose given 6–12 months after the first.
• Older adolescents and adults are advised that three doses are recommended if started at age 15 or older, with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first and the third dose 6 months after the first.
• Women and girls aged 11–12 and up to 26 are recommended if not previously vaccinated. It is administered in two doses 6–12 months apart and in three doses over 6 months.

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Vaccination is essential for young children, older adults, and individuals with certain health conditions.

Dosage:

• Children: The PCV13 vaccine is typically given in a series of 4 doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months of age.
• Adults: The PPSV23 vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 years and older and for younger adults with certain health conditions.

The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Vaccination is crucial for preventing outbreaks and protecting individuals at increased risk, such as adolescents and those living in close quarters.

Dosage:

• Adolescents: The first dose is given at 11–12 years of age, and a booster dose is administered at 16 years of age.
• Adults: 1 or 2 doses, depending on the indication.

The typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a serious disease caused by Salmonella typhi. Vaccination is essential for travellers to areas where typhoid fever is common and for people at high risk due to their occupation or lifestyle.

Dosage:

• Children:
  • Oral Vaccine: Children aged 6 years and up, and for individuals who are in danger, booster doses should be administered every five years.
  • Injectable vaccine (Vi polysaccharide): children with two years of age and up. It is given as a single shot. For individuals who are at risk, booster doses should be administered every two years.
• Adults:
  • Oral vaccine (Ty21a): Take four capsules every other day (days 1, 3, 5, and 7), completing at least one week before exposure. Booster doses are recommended every 5 years for continued risk.
  • Injectable vaccine (Vi polysaccharide): Involves a single injection, with booster doses recommended every 2 years for ongoing risk.

The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus, a serious bacterial infection that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. Vaccination is crucial for preventing tetanus, particularly after an injury or wound.

Dosage:

• Children: Typically given as part of the DTaP series.
• Adults: A tetanus booster (Td) is recommended every 10 years.

The yellow fever vaccine protects against yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Vaccination is crucial for travellers to areas where yellow fever is endemic and for people living in those regions.

Dosage:

• Adults and children: Children aged 9 months and older are recommended and provide lifelong protection with a single dose.