Gunwant S. Dhaliwal, M.D. Flushing Hospital Medical Center
An important aspect of disease prevention is immunization. Until recently it was considered effective in reducing the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases in children. Presently, seven vaccines are recommended for routine use in adults.
Two types of immunization are available; active and passive, Protection with active immunization lasts longer and more complete, whereas the passive provides more rapid protection.
Seven vaccines for routine administration to adults are as follows:
- Tetanus toxoid 2. Diphtheria toxoid
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Measles vaccine
- Rubella vaccine
Contra-indications to vaccine administration:
- History of reaction to eggs Avoid measles, mumps, influenza and yellow fever.
- History of reaction to antibiotic, neomycin Avoid measles, mumps & rubella (MMR)
- Immunocompromised person in home Avoid oral polio
- Immunocompromised person™ Avoid live virus vaccine, only exception MMR
- Pregnancy Avoid rubella.
*Immuno compromised person is defined as a patient whose immune system is not functioning well and is more prone to infectious discases. Examples include HIV, cancer patients, kidney failure, organ transplant recipients and congenital immunodeficiency diseases. This information provides a general overview on immunization and may not apply in each individual case. Consult your physician to determine whether this information can be applied to your personal situation and to obtain additional information.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 23, 1993
