Less common vaccinations

You may need a meningitis shot

In addition to flu shots, booster shots and the infant immunization schedule, there are other vaccinations that you may also wish to consider. Bacterial meningitis affects 1,000 to 1,200 people in the U.S. each year. It strikes suddenly and carries the danger of hearing loss and brain damage, but can be treated with antibiotics. A student going to college may need a meningitis shot.

Travel vaccinations and HPV

Early in 2015, 29 Americans fell ill from an outbreak of hepatitis A in Mexico. If you plan to travel, getting travel vaccinations is not only wise, but sometimes required. In some countries, for example, the government will make you take the yellow fever vaccine and meningitis vaccine before coming. The proof of these vaccines is the yellow card, and you will need it in order to enter. Recommended travel vaccinations are just a good idea. At the Traveler Information Center of the CDC Web site, you can find out which vaccines, if any, you will be required to take and which are recommended. Some of these vaccines need to be given in two to three doses over the course of several months, so plan ahead.

In the United States, 26,800 cases of cancer each year can be traced to the human papillomavirus. Vaccination against it is already widespread enough to cut the rate of HPV infections among teenage girls by over half. More immunization could defeat it entirely.

Immunization services in Germantown, MD

All these vaccinations can be had at Germantown Primary Care Associates, serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown. The Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Manbir Takhar. Download a copy of the registration form from their Web site for your first visit to speed up the process of checking in. Make an appointment today.