What's new in Immunizations
New vaccinations are always coming to market, but now more
than ever we have new immunizations at our disposal for various disease
processes at various ages. Some of these are OHIP covered, some are not but all
are worth reviewing to see if any apply to yourself or a family member.
Zostavax: This is the first and only
vaccine indicated to help prevent shingles ( a reactivation of the virus that
causes chickenpox) in people 60 and over. Shingles is a painful skin rash that
can lead to weeks, months or even years of severe debilitating nerve pain.
Only one shot is needed, however manufacturer's supplies are limited.
Gardasil: This is a vaccine that protects
against the HPV viral subtypes 6,11,16, and 18. HPV is the most common STD in
circulation, with close to 80% of sexually active individuals having been
exposed to this virus. HPV is implicated in certain diseases such as cervical,
vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers and genital warts. Although initially
indicated for women age 9-26 it's indication has been extended to women up to
age 45, and to boys and men age 9-26. The vaccine is available for free for
girls in grade 8, and by prescription for all others. Even though this and
other vaccines provide some protection, we must remain cognizant of the fact
that there are over 200 types of HPV and so condoms remain the most important
part of STD protection.
Cervarix: Cervarix is another HPV vaccine
that protects against HPV types 16 and 18. It is also available on prescription
and may have longer antibody protection then gardasil vaccine.
Menactra: Menactra is a vaccine that
protects against the four preventable strains of meningitis namely A,C Y, and
W-135. Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and
spinal cord. Menactra is available for people age 2-55 years of age. It is
currently given to children in grade 7 as part of the public health vaccine
program as of 2010. The previous menjugate vaccine only protected against type
C meningitis so teens who received this and are heading off to college or
university should consider receiving the menactra vaccine for broader better
protection, as this age group is our high risk group.
Hepatitis Vaccines: These vaccines have
been available for years and are indicated for everyone at all ages. Twinrix
covers both hepatitis A and B. Children are currently vaccinated for Hep B in
grade 7 , and if travelling to complete their protection should receive a
Hepatitis A vaccine as well.
Adacel: Adacel is the new tetanus
diphtheria vaccine that also has pertussis ( whooping cough) included in it's
mix. Due to waning immunity to pertussis noticed in teenagers and adults this
new tetanus booster was developed. It is given and covered for all teens age
14-16, and it is advised that all adults, when due for their next Td booster be
given an adacel at that time. However, adults are not currently covered and
must pay for this vaccine.
New vaccinations are always coming to market, but now more
than ever we have new immunizations at our disposal for various disease
processes at various ages. Some of these are OHIP covered, some are not but all
are worth reviewing to see if any apply to yourself or a family member.
Zostavax: This is the first and only
vaccine indicated to help prevent shingles ( a reactivation of the virus that
causes chickenpox) in people 60 and over. Shingles is a painful skin rash that
can lead to weeks, months or even years of severe debilitating nerve pain.
Only one shot is needed, however manufacturer's supplies are limited.
Gardasil: This is a vaccine that protects
against the HPV viral subtypes 6,11,16, and 18. HPV is the most common STD in
circulation, with close to 80% of sexually active individuals having been
exposed to this virus. HPV is implicated in certain diseases such as cervical,
vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers and genital warts. Although initially
indicated for women age 9-26 it's indication has been extended to women up to
age 45, and to boys and men age 9-26. The vaccine is available for free for
girls in grade 8, and by prescription for all others. Even though this and
other vaccines provide some protection, we must remain cognizant of the fact
that there are over 200 types of HPV and so condoms remain the most important
part of STD protection.
Cervarix: Cervarix is another HPV vaccine
that protects against HPV types 16 and 18. It is also available on prescription
and may have longer antibody protection then gardasil vaccine.
Menactra: Menactra is a vaccine that
protects against the four preventable strains of meningitis namely A,C Y, and
W-135. Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and
spinal cord. Menactra is available for people age 2-55 years of age. It is
currently given to children in grade 7 as part of the public health vaccine
program as of 2010. The previous menjugate vaccine only protected against type
C meningitis so teens who received this and are heading off to college or
university should consider receiving the menactra vaccine for broader better
protection, as this age group is our high risk group.
Hepatitis Vaccines: These vaccines have
been available for years and are indicated for everyone at all ages. Twinrix
covers both hepatitis A and B. Children are currently vaccinated for Hep B in
grade 7 , and if travelling to complete their protection should receive a
Hepatitis A vaccine as well.
Adacel: Adacel is the new tetanus
diphtheria vaccine that also has pertussis ( whooping cough) included in it's
mix. Due to waning immunity to pertussis noticed in teenagers and adults this
new tetanus booster was developed. It is given and covered for all teens age
14-16, and it is advised that all adults, when due for their next Td booster be
given an adacel at that time. However, adults are not currently covered and
must pay for this vaccine.