Yellow Fever is a virus that is spread via the bite of a mosquito and is found in parts of Africa and in South America. It is a serious disease that may result in death if left untreated. The vaccination is a live, weakened version of the virus. People who will be travelling need to allot at least two weeks after their vaccination to ensure they do not develop any severe reactions to the vaccination. It is recommended to get vaccinated at least a month prior to departure. Upon receiving the vaccination, patients will receive a certificate that is good for 10 years. This certificate may be needed to gain entry into certain countries and should be kept with passports. It is now believed that a single vaccination is good for life. 

Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid causes a high fever, fatigue, weakness, stomach pains, headache and loss of appetite. Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water. Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000. There are two vaccines to prevent typhoid. One is an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered as a shot; the other is a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine which is taken orally (by mouth).

Tetanus (Lockjaw) is caused by toxin-producing spores of a bacterium, Clostridium tetani that inhabit the soil and the bowels of animals and humans. When they enter a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria may produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, which actively impairs motor neurons, nerves that control muscles. The tetanus toxin causes severe muscle contractions, or spasms. Fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate may also occur. A multitude of tetanus vaccines are available.

Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious viruses that can have serious complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage. As a general rule, adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and mumps. For many adults born in 1957 or afterward, the MMR vaccine is advised. Most people who receive the MMR vaccine will have no problems from it. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness where the shot was given, or fevers. Serious problems from receiving the MMR are rare.

Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another through blood and body fluids, and primarily infects the liver. Worldwide, it is most commonly spread to infants by their infected mothers. Most people should get three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. All newborns should receive a dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with a lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene.  Every year there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A worldwide. Hepatitis A vaccines are given in two doses. Anyone two years of age or older may receive the first dose. The timing of the second dose depends upon which manufacturer’s vaccine is administered. Both hepatitis A vaccines have pediatric and adult formulations.