| IMMUNIZATIONS |
Immunization (vaccination) continues to be an important component of maintaining good health.
New vaccines as well as modification of existing vaccines occur yearly. Below is a list of vaccines
given at IDSGA. Supply is variable, so please call ahead to be sure the desired vaccine is available.
New vaccines as well as modification of existing vaccines occur yearly. Below is a list of vaccines
given at IDSGA. Supply is variable, so please call ahead to be sure the desired vaccine is available.
October, 2006
| Davod L. Dickensheets, M.D. |
| INFLUENZA VACCINE |
Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing
infection. Studies with large populations have shown reduced complications, fewer doctor visits for
“colds”, fewer days off of work for illness, etc. Although we have all heard of people seemingly
catching the flu after immunization, there is no biological reason this should happen and is thought
to be a coincidence.
There are two kinds of vaccines: an intramuscular inactivated vaccine and a live-attenuated
intranasal vaccine. These vaccines are best given in October or November, but vaccines should
continue to be given to unvaccinated people until the end of the flu season in April. Immunity is
present about 2 weeks after vaccination.
For the 2006-2007 season, we will only be offering the intramuscular vaccine. Supplies of vaccine
from our distributor are coming in every few weeks. Although we anticipate having our usual supply
over the entire season, there may be delays. Please call ahead if this is the main reason for office
visit.
The adult patient groups for which the intramuscular vaccine is recommended are:
- chronic health conditions of the heart or lungs (including asthma), chronic metabolic
conditions such as diabetes, or immunosuppression - any age
- pregnancy in any trimester
- any person over 50
- healthy household contacts and caregivers of children age 0-5
- health-care workers and others who can transmit influenza to those at risk.
Soreness at the injection site is a common side effect from the intramuscular vaccine, but should
pass in a day or two. Fever, malaise, and myalgia type symptoms are much less common but also
can last for two days. The vaccine does contain a small amount of egg protein and should not be
given to anyone with severe egg allergy.
The current vaccine provides no immunity for avian influenza. Research is being done for vaccine
components that would be protective against these strains. Stay tuned for more information in this
area next year.
In short, the influenza vaccine is an effective vaccine recommended to many, but in actuality
makes sense to be given to anyone who desires it. Think about it, and call us if there are any
concerns or questions.
infection. Studies with large populations have shown reduced complications, fewer doctor visits for
“colds”, fewer days off of work for illness, etc. Although we have all heard of people seemingly
catching the flu after immunization, there is no biological reason this should happen and is thought
to be a coincidence.
There are two kinds of vaccines: an intramuscular inactivated vaccine and a live-attenuated
intranasal vaccine. These vaccines are best given in October or November, but vaccines should
continue to be given to unvaccinated people until the end of the flu season in April. Immunity is
present about 2 weeks after vaccination.
For the 2006-2007 season, we will only be offering the intramuscular vaccine. Supplies of vaccine
from our distributor are coming in every few weeks. Although we anticipate having our usual supply
over the entire season, there may be delays. Please call ahead if this is the main reason for office
visit.
The adult patient groups for which the intramuscular vaccine is recommended are:
- chronic health conditions of the heart or lungs (including asthma), chronic metabolic
conditions such as diabetes, or immunosuppression - any age
- pregnancy in any trimester
- any person over 50
- healthy household contacts and caregivers of children age 0-5
- health-care workers and others who can transmit influenza to those at risk.
Soreness at the injection site is a common side effect from the intramuscular vaccine, but should
pass in a day or two. Fever, malaise, and myalgia type symptoms are much less common but also
can last for two days. The vaccine does contain a small amount of egg protein and should not be
given to anyone with severe egg allergy.
The current vaccine provides no immunity for avian influenza. Research is being done for vaccine
components that would be protective against these strains. Stay tuned for more information in this
area next year.
In short, the influenza vaccine is an effective vaccine recommended to many, but in actuality
makes sense to be given to anyone who desires it. Think about it, and call us if there are any
concerns or questions.
| PNEUMOVAX |
This vaccine protects against the majority of serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
This bacteria is a common cause of pneumonia (hence the term “pneumonia” vaccine) but also
causes other invasive disease such as bacteremia and meningitis. The vaccine is not as effective
as we would like - vaccinated people can still get infections with this bacteria. Nonetheless,
numerous studies show that infection rates are less in vaccinated patients and illnesses that do
occur are less severe.
In healthy adults, vaccination is advised for those 65 years of age or older. A revaccination (i.e.
second dose) is not routinely recommended. If a vaccine was given prior to age 65 in this group, it
can be repeated after age 65 and 5 years after the first vaccine. Note that revaccination every 5
years is NOT routinely recommended.
Vaccination for adults less thAn 65 is recommended for individuals with the following:
- Diabetes
- chronic disorders of the lungs, heart, liver or kidney
- functional or anatomic asplenia (eg. sickle cell disease or splenectomy)
- immunosuppressive conditions such as lymphoma, HIV infection and many others
- residents of long-term care facilities
Revaccination in 5 years after the first dose is suggested for the higher risk patients in these
groups.
Local reactions at the injection site can occur that include swelling, warmth and redness. Rarely, a
reaction resembling cellulitis can occur shortly after vaccination. The vaccine is a sterile
polysaccharide that is non-infectious.
We document in the patient chart when the vaccine is given and encourage all patients to make a
notation in their own personal medical records. People with uncertain or unknown vaccination
status should be vaccinated.
The pneumococcal bacteria is steadily becoming resistant to available antibiotics. For decades,
doctors and patients have seen the severe disease it can cause. We believe that good
preventative medicine should include this vaccine. Ask about it at your next office visit.
Several other vaccines are available including Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, for travel
protection. Other vaccines are available as needed. A new section of Shingles vaccine is being
prepared.
This bacteria is a common cause of pneumonia (hence the term “pneumonia” vaccine) but also
causes other invasive disease such as bacteremia and meningitis. The vaccine is not as effective
as we would like - vaccinated people can still get infections with this bacteria. Nonetheless,
numerous studies show that infection rates are less in vaccinated patients and illnesses that do
occur are less severe.
In healthy adults, vaccination is advised for those 65 years of age or older. A revaccination (i.e.
second dose) is not routinely recommended. If a vaccine was given prior to age 65 in this group, it
can be repeated after age 65 and 5 years after the first vaccine. Note that revaccination every 5
years is NOT routinely recommended.
Vaccination for adults less thAn 65 is recommended for individuals with the following:
- Diabetes
- chronic disorders of the lungs, heart, liver or kidney
- functional or anatomic asplenia (eg. sickle cell disease or splenectomy)
- immunosuppressive conditions such as lymphoma, HIV infection and many others
- residents of long-term care facilities
Revaccination in 5 years after the first dose is suggested for the higher risk patients in these
groups.
Local reactions at the injection site can occur that include swelling, warmth and redness. Rarely, a
reaction resembling cellulitis can occur shortly after vaccination. The vaccine is a sterile
polysaccharide that is non-infectious.
We document in the patient chart when the vaccine is given and encourage all patients to make a
notation in their own personal medical records. People with uncertain or unknown vaccination
status should be vaccinated.
The pneumococcal bacteria is steadily becoming resistant to available antibiotics. For decades,
doctors and patients have seen the severe disease it can cause. We believe that good
preventative medicine should include this vaccine. Ask about it at your next office visit.
Several other vaccines are available including Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, for travel
protection. Other vaccines are available as needed. A new section of Shingles vaccine is being
prepared.
| Serving Metro Atlanta with offices in: Cumming, Johns Creek and Roswell |
| Cumming Office: (678) 341-8035 Johns Creek Office: (678) 551-6970 Roswell Office: (770) 255-1069 |
HOME
ABOUT IDSGA
MEDICAL STAFF
SERVICES
MEDICAL
INFORMATION
OFFICE LOCATIONS
ABOUT IDSGA
MEDICAL STAFF
- Michael P. Dailey, M.D.
- David Dickensheets, M.D.
- M. Rabiul Alam, M.D.
- Titu D. Das, M.D.
SERVICES
- Consultation
- Office Infusion Center (OIC)
MEDICAL
INFORMATION
- In the News
- H1N1 Flu
- CA-MRSA
- MRSA Home Treatment
Guidelines - Immunizations
- Influenza 2009-2010
- Links
- Tetanus Vaccine
OFFICE LOCATIONS
| North Fulton Hospital |
| Northside Hospital Forsyth |
| Emory Johns Creek Hospital |
