Immunizations
Last Updated on Thursday, 24 March 2011 10:22
Influenza Vaccination - “Flu Shot”
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC)Â determines to their best ability which influenza viruses will be incorporated into each year's seasonal influenza vaccine.
Lake Health Occupational Services program offers companies two options:
- Hosting a yearly on-site flu shot program for their employees
- Vouchers to give employees to take to any Lake Health urgent care center
Either option is billed directly to the company.
Lake Health offers the “flu shot” using an inactive (dead) virus that is given with a needle in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
About 10 days to 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
Lake Health follows the Center for Disease Control guidelines for the administration of the influenza vaccination program.
The CDC maintains an updated website for the influenza virus and updates throughout the year are based on their findings. For mor information on the CDC, please visit their website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/basics.htm
For more information regarding influenza vaccination options, please call Lake Health’s Occupational Services at 440-354-1990 or
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or
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.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. It is recommended that first responders (EMS and paramedics) be vaccinated for hepatitis B.Â
Lake Health can make arrangements for an on-site vaccination program or your employees can visit any of the Lake Health Urgent Care Centers for vaccination. Arrangements must be made in advance.
Lake Health follows the CDC guidelines for the administration of the hepatitis B vaccination program.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis B virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis B is usually spread when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How is the hepatitis B vaccine series given?
The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of 3 shots over a 6-month period.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine series effective?
Yes, the hepatitis B vaccine is very effective at preventing hepatitis B virus infection. After receiving all three doses, hepatitis B vaccine provides greater than 90% protection to infants, children, and adults immunized before being exposed to the virus.
Is the hepatitis B vaccine safe?
Yes, the hepatitis B vaccine is safe. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that a serious problem could occur after getting the vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with hepatitis B are much greater than the risks the vaccine poses.
Is it harmful to have an extra dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to repeat the entire hepatitis B vaccine series?
No, getting extra doses of hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful.
What should be done if hepatitis B vaccine series was not completed?
Talk to your health professional to resume the vaccine series as soon as possible.
Who should not receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine is not recommended for people who have had serious allergic reactions to a prior dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to any part of the vaccine. Also, it is not recommended for anyone who is allergic to yeast, which is used to make the vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
Are booster doses of hepatitis B vaccine necessary?
It depends. A “booster” dose of hepatitis B vaccine is a dose that increases or extends the effectiveness of the vaccine. Booster doses are recommended only for hemodialysis patients and can be considered for other people with a weakened immune system. Booster doses are not recommended for people with a normal immune status who have been fully vaccinated.
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Lake Health can make arrangements for an on-site hepatitis A vaccination program, or your employees can visit any of the Urgent Care Centers for vaccination. Arrangements must be made in advance.
Lake Health follows the Center for Disease Control guidelines for the administration of the hepatitis A vaccination program.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person.
It is recommended that employees who have the potential to be exposed to fecal matter in their jobs be vaccinated for hepatitis A. Frequent hand washing with soap and water after using the rest room, changing a diaper, or before food preparation can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the hepatitis A vaccine?
The hepatitis A vaccine is a shot of inactive hepatitis A virus that stimulates the body's natural immune system. After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies that protect a person against the virus.
How is the hepatitis A vaccine given?
The hepatitis A vaccine is given as two shots, 6 months apart.
Is the hepatitis A vaccine effective?
Yes, protection begins approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the first injection. A second injection results in long-term protection.
Hepatitis C
Currently, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Lake Health offers the MMR immunization for people who have not been previously vaccinated. It is recommended that all health care professionals be immunized against MMR.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Lake Health offers the Varicella immunization for people who have not been previously vaccinated. It is recommended that all health care professionals be immunized against Varicella.