Vaccinations

The Woodland Hills Medical Clinic & Urgent Care specializes in providing safe and effective vaccinations in the Woodland Hills area. Vaccinations are an effective preventative treatment for bacterial or viral infections. They are provided to support your immune system during seasons of high virus outbreaks or if you are experiencing an infection. Different vaccinations have been developed to treat various diseases. They can include shingles, polio, hepatitis, rabies, HPV, and other problems.

HPV vaccines treat viruses that are reputed to cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and other types of cancer. They prepare the immune system to prevent infections or treat existing cases by reducing their symptoms, including lesions or growths around the cervix.

Chicken pox is a frequent case that occurs for young children. The varicella vaccine is especially prepared to treat chicken pox and similar cases such as post herpetic neuralgia, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and herpes zoster (shingles). The vaccine works by administering a live virus into your body that activates the immune system and eliminates the varicella viruses.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that attach the brain and spinal cord. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or certain illnesses. A bacterial case is rare, but can result in serious consequences if not treated right away. The viral case is more common, but less serious.

We provide vaccinations for a range of areas, including:

• DTaP Vaccine
• TDaP Vaccine
• MMR Vaccine
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
• Polio Vaccine
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Meningococcal Vaccine
• Shingles Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine

It is important to see an urgent care doctor right away if you suspect that you have any form of meningitis. Antibiotic vaccinations and fluid injections can be provided to patients who confirm they have the disease.

We produce safe vaccines that can treat Hepatitis B without using any blood products. The vaccine is specially formulated protect against Hepatitis B infections, but also be used to treat symptoms of liver cancer and cirrhosis. This is a treatment that will provide long-lasting protection against Hepatitis B.

The Woodland Hills Medical Clinic & Urgent Care is available every day of the week to provide vaccinations or information on several diseases. You can call or visit if you have any concerns about potential diseases, no appointments are necessary!

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DTaP VACCINE

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (for children younger than 7 years old)

Why get vaccinated?
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious illnesses caused by different types of bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, most commonly through respiratory droplets. Tetanus enters the body through contaminated cuts or wounds.

Who should get the DTaP vaccine and when?
Children should get 5 doses of DTaP vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages:

• 2 months of age
• 4 months of age
• 6 months of age
• 15–18 months of age
• 4–6 years old

Who should AVOID the DTaP vaccine?
Avoid the DTaP vaccine if:

• A child is moderately or severely ill, with or without a fever. The child should wait until he/she recovers before getting vaccinated (children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. )
• A child has had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP.
• A child suffered from brain or nervous system disease within 7 days of a DTaP dose.
• Talk with your doctor if your child:
  • Had a seizure or collapsed after a dose of DTaP,
  • Cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP, or
  • Had a fever over 105°F after a dose of DTaP.

DTaP is not licensed for adolescents, adults, or children 7 years of age and older.

TDaP VACCINE

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (for children older than 7 years old, and adults)

Why get vaccinated?
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can cause very serious illnesses, even in adults. The TDaP vaccine builds immunity against these bacterial infections; therefore, if exposed, you are protected from developing disease. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Tetanus enters the body through contaminated cuts, scratches, or wounds.

TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful diffuse muscle spasms and stiffening. It can lead to tightening of the head and neck muscles, which if severe enough, can lead to respiratory distress and death. Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who are infected.

DIPHTHERIA is a bug that proliferates in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It produces a thick membrane in the pharynx (the back of the throat), which can lead to breathing difficulty even cessation of breathing all together. It can also cause muscle paralysis, heart failure, and death.

PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes intractable coughing spells, which may lead to vomiting, respiratory distress, and disturbed sleep. Pertussis is more severe in infants and children as it can lead to death from apnea (cessation of breathing). It can also lead to weight loss, incontinence, and rib fractures. It has been found that 2 in 100 adolescents and 5 in 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized with complications, which could include pneumonia and death.

Who should get the TDaP vaccine and when?

• One dose of TDaP is routinely given at 11 or 12 years of age
• Pregnant women with each pregnancy

TDaP vaccine is not intended for children younger than 7 years old. People who have never received the TDaP immunization should be vaccinated as soon as possible. TDaP is especially important for health care professionals and anyone who has close contact with children, especially infants younger than 12 months of age. Infants are at highest risk for severe, life-threatening complications of pertussis.

MMR VACCINE

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

Why get vaccinated?
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella are serious viral infections with life-threatening complications. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella were very common infections, especially in young children, before the vaccines became required immunizations. In the past, there were several epidemics of Measles outbreaks that lead to fatalities in thousands of children and adolescents. Measles Measles virus causes a characteristic rash that classically starts on the face and spreads down in an orderly fashion. It also produces respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, irreversible brain damage, and death. Mumps Mumps virus causes fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, and swollen parotid glands (chipmunk cheeks). It can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and if severe enough, sterility. Rubella (German Measles)Rubella virus causes a rash, arthritis (mostly in women), and mild fever. Because of its teratogenic effects, a woman who acquires Rubella during pregnancy can potentially have a miscarriage, stillborn, or the baby could be born with serious birth defects.

Who should get the MMR vaccine and when?
Children should get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine:

• 12–15 months of age
• 4–6 years old (may be given earlier, if at least 28 days after the 1st dose have passed)

Some infants younger than 12 months should get a dose of MMR if they are traveling out of the country. This dose will not count toward their routine series. Adults who should get the MMR vaccine:

• Individuals 18 years or older should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, unless they can show that they have been vaccinated or have developed immunity due to acquiring the infection.

MMR vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX) VACCINE

Why get vaccinated?
Chickenpox, also referred to as Varicella, is a common childhood viral illness. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and in the elderly.

Who should get the chickenpox vaccine and when?
Children who have never had chickenpox should get 2 doses of the chickenpox vaccine:

• 12–15 months of age
• 4–6 years old (may be given earlier, if at least 3 months after the 1st dose have passed)

Individuals 13 years of age and older (who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine) should get two doses at least 28 days apart. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated, and has never had chickenpox, should receive one or two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. The timing of these doses depends on the person’s age. Ask your doctor for more information. Chickenpox vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

POLIO VACCINE

What is polio?
Polio is a disease caused by a virus that enters the body through the mouth. It usually doesn’t cause serious illness, but cases of paralysis (inability to move body parts) and meningitis (irritation of the lining of the brain) have been reported. Polio used to be a very common viral infection in the United States. Prior to making the vaccination required, Polio caused paralysis and death of thousands of people.

Who should get polio vaccine and when?
Children get 4 doses of the Polio vaccine (IPV), at these ages:

• 2 months of age
• 4 months of age
• 6-18 months of age
• 4–6 years old

Polio vaccine may be given as part of a “combination vaccine” and it may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Combination vaccines are made when two or more types of immunizations are combined together into a single shot, so that one vaccination can protect against more than one disease. If your child gets a combination vaccine that contains the Polio virus, they may get one additional dose (5th) of IPV. This is not a problem. Adults aged 18 and older typically do not need the Polio vaccine because they were likely vaccinated as children.
However, some high risk adults should consider the vaccine:

• Traveling to endemic areas where Polio is common
• Laboratory workers who might handle Polio virus
• Health care workers treating patients who could have Polio

The polio vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

HEPATITIS A VACCINE

What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A commonly causes a mild viral infection and may even be asymptomatic. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is found in the stool of people infected with hepatitis A. It is usually spread by close personal contact or by contaminated food sources. This infection is contagious and can easily be passed to other members of a household.

Who should get the hepatitis A vaccination and when?
Individuals who should be routinely vaccinated:

• All children between their first and second birthdays (12 through 23 months of age).
• Anyone 1 year of age and older traveling to or working in countries with high or intermediate prevalence of hepatitis A, such as those located in Central or South America, Mexico, Asia (except Japan), Africa, and eastern Europe. For more information go to www. cdc. gov/travel.
• Children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age who live in states or communities where routine vaccination has been implemented because of high disease incidence.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People who use street drugs.
• People with chronic liver disease.
• People who are treated with clotting factor concentrates.
• People who work with HAV-infected primates or who work with HAV in research laboratories.
• Members of households planning to adopt a child, or care for a newly arriving adopted child, from a country where hepatitis A is common.

Other persons who should consider the hepatitis A vaccine (ask your doctor for more details):

• Unvaccinated children or adolescents in communities where outbreaks of hepatitis A are occurring.
• Unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus.
• Anyone 1 year of age or older who wants protection from hepatitis A.

For children, the first dose should be given at 12 through 23 months of age. Children who are not vaccinated by 2 years of age can be vaccinated at later visits. For others at risk, the hepatitis A vaccine series may be started whenever a person wishes to be protected or is at risk of infection. For travelers, it is best to start the vaccine series at least one month before traveling, although some protection may still result if the vaccine is given on or closer to the travel date. Individuals who cannot get the vaccine before traveling, or for whom the vaccine might not be effective, can get an injection of immune globulin (IG). IG provides immediate, temporary protection. Two doses of the vaccine are needed for lasting protection; these doses should be given at least 6 months apart. Hepatitis A vaccine is not licensed for children younger than 1 years old. Hepatitis A vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE

What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that primarily affects the liver. The hepatitis B vaccine can prevent against both hepatitis B and D infection. If you are not vaccinated and have exposure to the virus, consequences include liver disease, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids, most commonly through sexual contact and vaginal delivery from mother to baby.

Who should get hepatitis B vaccine and when?
Infants normally get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine:

• Birth
• 1-2 months of age
• 6-18 months of age

Some babies might get a 4th dose if a combination vaccine containing hepatitis B is used for one of the doses. The extra dose is not harmful. If a child or adolescent younger than 18 years of age has not received the hepatitis B series, it is important to be vaccinated as soon as possible. All unvaccinated adults at risk for hepatitis B infection should be vaccinated. Risk factors include:

• Sex partners of people infected with hepatitis B
• Men who have sex with men
• People who inject street drugs
• People with more than one sex partner
• People with chronic liver or kidney disease
• People under 60 years of age with diabetes
• People with jobs that expose them to human blood or other body fluids

MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE

What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection with fatal sequelae. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years of age in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. If untreated, it can spread systemically and lead to death within days.

Who should get meningococcal vaccine and when?
Two doses of the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) are recommended for adolescents at these ages:

• 11 or 12 years of age
• Booster dose at age 16

Adolescents in this age group with HIV infection should get three doses: 2 doses 2 months apart at 11 or 12 years, plus a booster at age 16. High risk individuals:

• College freshmen living in dormitories
• Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
• S. military recruits
• Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa
• Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed
• Anyone who has persistent complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder)

People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak

SHINGLES VACCINE

What is shingles?

Shingles is a highly contagious and painful skin rash consisting of vesicles on a red base. It is commonly referred to as Herpes Zoster, or just Zoster. Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death. For about 1 in 5 people, severe pain continues long after the rash clears up, also known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

Who should get the shingles vaccine?
A single dose of shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years of age and older.

Who should AVOID the shingles vaccine?
Avoid the singles vaccine if:

• You have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, neomycin, or any other component of the shingles vaccine.
• You are pregnant or might be pregnant (women should not become pregnant until at least 4 weeks after getting shingles vaccine. )
• You are immunocompromised (low/weak immune system):
• AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
• Treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as prolonged use of high-dose steroids
• Cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy
• Cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable illness and death in the United States. Pneumococcal infection can lead to life-threatening pneumonia (infection of the lungs), bacteremia (infection of the blood), and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain). Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some individuals are at higher risk than others:

• People 65 years and older
• Neonates and infants
• People with certain health problems
• People with a weakened immune system
• Smokers

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV)?

• All individuals 65 years and older
• Individuals between 2 and 64 years of age who have health problems, including:
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Diabetes
  • Alcoholism
  • Cirrhosis
  • Leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cochlear implant
  • Immunocompromised
    • Hodgkin’s disease or other lymphoma
    • Leukemia
    • Kidney disease or failure
    • HIV or AIDS
    • Damaged spleen or no spleen (asplenia)
    • Organ transplant
    • Radiation therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Long-term steroid use

Ask your doctor for more information.