In 2006, a number of vaccines received FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for use in children and/or adults. The vaccines are now available throughout the United States.

One that has been touted in the media is the vaccination for HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a virus linked to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine became available in June 2006 and is recommended for all girls and women who are or could possibly be sexually active.

Most doctors recommend the vaccine for girls ten and up, though the manufacturer suggests nine and older. The vaccine called Gardasil is given in a series of three injections that are spaced two months apart.

Zostavax is the new vaccine to prevent Herpes Zoster, an infectious virus similar to chickenpox. The disease is present in about 20% of the adult population and causes painful clusters of blisters known as shingles. Currently, the vaccination is approved only for those sixty and older.

The vaccine proves to be 50% effective overall and 64% effective in men and women over then age of 60. All it takes is one vaccination and the disease is prevented. Zostavax will not work in people who already carry the Herpes Zoster virus.

Originally approved in the 1980s, the vaccine for Rotavirus was later withdrawn from the market because it caused a serious bowel disease. A new version of the Rotavirus vaccine is available this year and proves to be a useful weapon against the troublesome virus. Rotavirus is in an intestinal virus that typically hits children in their early childhood.

The virus causes diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. The virus spreads rapidly, especially in school or daycare settings. The FDA has granted the vaccine approval, but testing for correct dosage and side effects are not yet firm. The vaccine will be available this fall.

The Herpes Zoster virus causes shingles. The virus creates a painful, itchy rash of blisters that resembles chickenpox in appearance. Shingles is related to chickenpox, but only adults can contract the disease. The rash can range in severity from intense burning to mild soreness.

If you have never had chickenpox, you are not susceptible to Shingles. The virus is most prevalent in adults over the age of sixty who experienced chickenpox during their lifetime. Typically, a case of shingles lasts for three to five weeks.

If you have had recent organ transplant or are immunosuppressed (AIDS, HIV, cancer), Shingles can be deadly. You cannot get Shingles from someone infected with chickenpox, but if you are infected with Shingles, you can pass the Shingles on to anyone with whom you are in contact.

In 2006, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Zostavax, a vaccine to prevent against a Shingles outbreak. If you are currently infected with Shingles, the vaccine will be useless. It is only administered to adults over the age of sixty who had chickenpox.

Zostavax is given in one dose, injected just under the skin. The vaccine proves to be 50% effective overall, and 64% effective in adults aged 60 and older. The vaccine does contain gelatin and neomycin, so tell your doctor if you are allergic to either ingredient.

Those who received the vaccination and then contracted shingles anyway found the disease lasted only a couple of weeks and the pain and burning were minimal. Side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection.

Last year, the government created a panic in many individuals when it announced that Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) could well become a pandemic in 2007. Without a tested vaccination on the market, people questioned how to protect themselves.

Avian Influenza is a strain of the flu that is prevalent in waterfowl (particularly in wild ducks). The disease is spread through the birds’ droppings. The influenza strain can then carry through soil and water to domesticated birds and then transfer to the humans that care for those birds.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza include conjunctivitis (pink eye), sneezing, muscle pain, coughing, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. If a particularly virulent strain of Bird Flu (A H5N1) is found, the symptoms can quickly worsen leading to respiratory distress and pneumonia.

Typically, the incubation for Avian Influenza is no more than five days from time of contact. If you come down with these symptoms, seek medical advice. Chances are the disease will progress much like the flu, but if complications arise, it makes sense to be prepared to head to the hospital.

If you find it increasingly hard to breathe or if your cough is intense with a high fever, you may have pneumonia. With proper medications and bed rest, pneumonia is treatable.

There is good news. A French pharmaceutical company has developed a vaccination that will be approved by the end of 2006 and then need about six months for mass quantities to have been stocked. In the meantime, the CDC urges people to try to avoid poultry farms and areas with high populations of fowl.

Wash your hands regularly. Watch your children when you are out and about. Finally, open-air markets in foreign countries, especially if live fowl is sold, are an area where many cases of Avian Influenza have developed. Be cautious if you attend an open-air market of this type.

If you have ever taken your cat to the veterinarian, you will know just how expensive routine care can be! Vaccinations really add up, and most vets recommend a wide variety of vaccines and medications. My last trip for one cat ran well over $200 in vet fees. This leads to an important question: Which vaccines are truly necessary?

Rabies is a viral disease that destroys the central nervous system. Symptoms include disorientation, dramatic appetite changes, aggression, seizures, and erratic behavior. Law in the United States requires rabies vaccinations. The disease is spread through saliva and blood.

Typically, Rabies is commonly spread by a bite from a wild animal (raccoon, fox, bat). A cat’s first rabies vaccination is good for one year. Following that, there is a booster that is given every three years. Odds are that your indoor cat will never become exposed to rabies, but vets have to administer the vaccine regardless.

Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) is a deadly disease in which a virus invades the blood stream causing diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and dehydration. Many vets insist on administering this vaccine. There are risks that can outweigh the necessity. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, there truly is no need to have your cat vaccinated.

There is concern that some of the vaccines on the market can lead to dangerous conditions. Though the odds are slim, if the cat is strictly an indoor cat, there is no real risk that Feline Distemper will ever be an issue.

Rhinotracheitis is a strain of the herpes virus that can cause eye damage in your cat. Watery eyes, cloudy eyes, and redness can be a sign of both Rhinotracheitis and other eye issues, so it can be hard to tell if your cat has allergies or something more. This is a vaccine that is necessary and boosters should be given every year.

Calcivirus is a respiratory disease that can become dangerous quickly. Symptoms are persistent gum disease and upper respiratory disease. The vaccination for this virus is urged to all cat owners.

The vaccination for Feline Leukemia is one vaccine that is debatable. There is no chance that an indoor cat will be exposed to the deadly disease. Typically, Feline Leukemia has no significant signs at first.

Weight loss, fever, pale gums, poor coat condition, and diarrhea are common as the disease progresses. If your cat ever goes outside, you should have that cat vaccinated. Otherwise, the risks outweigh the benefits.

There is a link that the Feline Leukemia vaccination can cause fibrosarcomas (malignant tumors) and anaphylactic shock. Due to the high risk of fibrosarcomas, many vets are starting to steer clients away from the Feline Leukemia vaccination on an indoor cat.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a viral disease that shuts down many of the cat’s important organs including the heart, lungs, and brain. The key signs to FIP are sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Veterinarians recommend this vaccine if your cat will be exposed to feral cats or large groups of other cats. Otherwise, you can skip it.

Finally, Chlamydiosis is a respiratory disease that spreads easily from cat to cat. Red, puffy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing are the common signs to Chlamydiosis. If your cat is exposed to neighborhood cats, you should have this vaccination. Otherwise, you can bypass the vaccine and keep your cat inside.

With rising costs of gas for example, many families have to cut back on what they can and cannot afford. Can you afford costly vet bills and still pay for your heating? Sadly, this is a question that many have to consider. Not every canine vaccination is truly necessary, so you do have a little room to help you reduce your vet bill.

Law requires the rabies vaccine. This is not a vaccine you can skip. The vaccine is given early and then a booster must be given every two years. Rabies is a viral disease that destroys the central nervous system.

It spreads through saliva and blood, usually from the bite of a wild animal. Signs that your dog has rabies include aggression, unusual appetite, erratic behavior, difficulty walking (staggering), excessive foam/drool from the mouth, and more.

Distemper is a virus that affects the respiratory system. The vaccine is combined with Canine Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Canine Parainfluenza, and Adenovirus. Each virus causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

They can develop into pneumonia and eventually death. The vaccines are given every four weeks until a puppy is about 16 weeks old. After that, some veterinarians recommend boosters that truly are not necessary. If your vet suggests boosters for these diseases, you can skip it.

The Lyme disease vaccine is recommended in many northern states where deer ticks are common. Signs of this disease include lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, and muscle/joint pain. The vaccine is given in two doses three weeks apart and then a yearly booster is given. If there is no Lyme disease in your area, skip this vaccine.

Bordatella (kennel cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms include a dry cough that doesn’t seem to go away with a drink of water. If you take your dog to a groomer, a training class, kennel, or shows, you will be required to show proof of this vaccination. The vaccine is given twice yearly. If your dog stays at home, you really do not need this vaccine.

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis vaccinations offer protection against three serious diseases in one shot. The three-in-one combination vaccine can help from having to give a child multiple painful injections.

Diphtheria is a deadly disease that causes a build up of bacteria in the throat. This can lead to obstructed airways and breathing difficulties.

Tetanus is an infection that can be received through a cut in the skin by contaminated dirt or rust. Tetanus causes extreme muscle inflammation and spasms. The muscles become so tight that they can affect breathing or heart function.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is suddenly making a comeback in some areas of the United States. The bacterial infection causes a build up of mucus in the nose and throat area that can create breathing difficulties.

The vaccine is given in four doses. The first three are given when an infant is two, four, and six months. The next dose comes when the child is between the ages of fifteen and eighteen months. A booster shot is usually given when a child turns 12, but that depends on the form of the vaccination that has been used.

Tetanus boosters are given every ten years once adulthood is reached. The booster is often given earlier if an adult seeks medical care for a deep cut or puncture wound as a preventative measure.

The vaccinations are 95% effective in preventing Diphtheria and Tetanus, while only 58% effective in preventing Pertussis. Evidence has shown that vaccinated children who then come down with Pertussis usually have a much milder case than those who have not received the vaccination.

In 1 out of 10,000 vaccinated children, severe pain at the injection site, vomiting, and a high fever of 105º or higher have occurred. In extremely rare cases (0.03%), brain swelling and comas have occurred. Commonly, the only side effects are mild pain and swelling at the injection site and a low-grade fever.

With the rising cost of beef, chicken, pork, and milk, you may be frustrated but few stop to think about the expenses of vaccinating livestock that eventually finds its way into many kitchens through eggs, milk, cheese, or meats.

Pigs receive a number of vaccinations throughout their lives. From time of birth, vaccinations are given to prevent Leptospirosis (a viral disease that can be spread to humans through foods grown in soil where the virus is transferred by animal urine), Parvovirus (a viral infection that can kill piglets), Erysipelas (a bacterial skin infection), E Coli (a bacteria that is transferred by eating undercooked meat), and Atrophic Rhinitis (a disease that distorts bones). Rabies is often required in any animal that spends time outdoors.

Both dairy cows and cattle are vaccinated against a number of ailments and infections. Many states require all outdoor animals receive the vaccination for rabies. Beyond that requirement, any smart farmer ensures that his or her cows receive vaccinations for IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis), PI3 (Parainfluenza 3), BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhea), and BRSV (Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus.)

Other vaccinations are given when the cow/bull is old enough. Those vaccines include: Leptospirosis, Trichomonas fetus and Vibriosis (sexually transmitted bovine diseases that can cause infertility in cows), Clostridium (a bacteria that is resistant to heat and causes botulism in food), Hemophilus Somnus (a bacterial infection that attacks the cow/bull’s central nervous system), and Anaplasmosis (also called “tick fever” and is known to cause respiratory distress). The diseases can be deadly to an entire herd, but in rare cases Clostridium can be deadly to humans.

Poultry can be difficult to vaccinate due to their size. Many experts recommend leaving your fowl unvaccinated if you only own a handful of birds. Many states are now requiring all poultry be vaccinated against Bird flu to prevent an outbreak. The vaccine is expensive due to the lack of available vaccine.

Large poultry farms are well advised to get their flocks vaccinated, however, against both bird flu and other diseases. Vaccinations for poultry include: Marek’s Disease (a virus that causes tumors), Newcastle Disease (a virus that leads to bronchitis), Infectious Bronchitis (a virus that can kill large flocks of chickens), Fowl Pox (can lead to pinkeye and skin problems), Avian Encephalomyelitis (a virus infection that damages the nervous system), and Fowl Cholera (a flu-like disease that can kill large numbers of birds.)

Only Bird flu can be transferred to humans, but the other diseases can wipe out entire flocks in a matter of weeks. This could prove to be costly to both the poultry supplier and the purchaser.

There are many available vaccines that are no longer administered by doctors. The vaccines prevent diseases that used to be significant pests but were eradicated after the vaccine became available. Pharmaceutical companies keep the vaccines on hand in case of a repeated outbreak.

Many people worldwide are familiar with Lyme disease. The disease is passed from an infected deer tick to humans. Lyme disease can cause fatigue, fever, rashes, joint pain, muscle aches, stiff neck, and headache.

If Lyme disease is not caught immediately, it can cause other troubles down the road from arthritis to heart troubles (rare, but it has occurred.) In 1998, the first vaccination for Lyme disease was approved. Unfortunately, the vaccine never took off. A few years later, the vaccine was pulled from the market for lack of sales.

You may remember enjoying the Polio vaccine given to you in childhood. The sweet liquid offered a refreshing change of pace when compared to a typical needle injection. The oral Polio vaccine (OPV) was discontinued a number of years ago after being linked to mild cases of Polio in newly vaccinated children. Today, the only form of vaccine available involves a needle.

The vaccination for small pox was eliminated in the 1970s. In 1980, the World Health Organization announced that the world was free of small pox outbreaks. Smallpox is a virus spread through coughing and sneezing that causes a blistering rash, fever, headache, and backache.

If the small pox reached the eye area, blindness could occur. Currently, the vaccine is only given to government officials, military members, laboratory staff, and healthcare workers. Though there are no signs of small pox, there are fears that the disease could be used as a biological weapon.

With so many vaccines on the market today, it is helpful to understand the diseases that can pose threats to people of all ages. The following glossary gives a quick breakdown of all diseases:

Anthrax – Bacillus anthracis is a bacterium that forms spores that then enter the body one of three ways: through a cut or burn, through breathing it in, or by eating it. Depending on the way Anthrax has entered the body, the symptoms can range from blisters to vomiting to bloody diarrhea. Eventually, breathing difficulties occur and can cause death.

Chickenpox (Varicella) – Chickenpox is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. The disease is spread through coughing and sneezing or from touching a person with chickenpox or shingles blisters. Symptoms include fever, an itchy rash of blisters, headache, and loss of appetite. Usually, chickenpox lasts a week or two and leaves no lasting effects. Adults who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles after the age of sixty.

Diphtheria – Diphtheria is a disease in which a bacterium (Corynebacterium Diphtheriae) releases poisons into a person’s body. The bacteria live in the mouth, nose, and throat and are spread by coughing or sneezing. Typically, Diphtheria is similar to a cold. The symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and chills. Eventually, a thick coating of bacteria develops on the back of the throat causing breathing difficulties and leading to heart troubles.

Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a virus that is found in fecal matter or through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus spreads when something touches the infected fecal matter and then is ingested. Usually, it involves foods that have grown in infected soil or washed in infected water. Symptoms include fever, appetite changes, nausea, stomach cramps, and jaundice. Usually, Hepatitis A lasts for two months, but it can spread out to a full year.

Hepatitis B - Hepatitis B is a virus that is spread through blood or bodily fluids that are passed into an uncovered scratch or cut. Hepatitis B is commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Half of the time, there are no symptoms. Others acquire a high fever, nausea, lack of energy, muscle and joint pain, headache, vomiting, and jaundice. Hepatitis B is linked to certain forms of liver cancer. The disease can be fatal for some.

Hib – This bacterial infection is commonly linked to meningitis, epiglottis (swelling of the throat), and skin diseases. Spread through sneezing and coughing, the disease is most often found in infants and toddlers.

HPV – HPV is a virus that is sexually transmitted. The HPV virus is linked to cervical cancer. There are no symptoms of the disease. It is essential that girls and women who are sexually active get a yearly pap smear.

Influenza – Spread through coughing and sneezing, influenza (the flu) can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms include exhaustion, fever, chills, muscle pain, and headache. Normally, the flu season extends from December to March.

Measles – Measles is an easily spread virus. The symptoms include fever, pink eye, runny nose, cough, and a rash covering much of the body.

Meningococcus (Meningitis) – This bacterial infection attacks the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, stiff neck, muscle and joint pain, headache, and possibly seizures.

Mumps – Symptoms of mumps include swollen glands, fever, headache, and loss of appetite. Usually, children have no problem recovering from this disease. In adults, it can be more severe causing fertility issues.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Pertussis is a bacterial infection that starts with a runny nose, fever, and cough. The cough develops into a raspy cough that sounds more like a loud bark than an actual cough. Most commonly, pertussis affects children. Infants with pertussis should be hospitalized to assist their breathing.

Pneumococcal – Pneumococcal Disease is another bacterial disease. Pneumonia (lung infection), Meningitis (brain infection), and Bacteremia (blood infection) are the three illnesses related to Pneumococcal.

Polio – 95% of those infected with polio have no symptoms. Polio is a viral disease that is spread through fecal matter. If symptoms do occur they include headache, vomiting, sore throat, meningitis, and in rare cases paralysis.

Rabies – Transferred through the bite of an infected animal, rabies is a deadly disease that attacks the central nervous system. The disease is best avoided by staying away from animals you do not know.

Rotavirus – This intestinal virus is only found in young children. Typically, Rotavirus is passed through sneezing and coughing and spreads quickly through daycare and school settings. Symptoms of Rotavirus include severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration.

Rubella – Rubella is a viral infection spread through the air. Symptoms include a rash, fever, swollen glands, joint pain, and respiratory difficulties.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – This viral infection consists of a rash of painful, itchy red blisters. It is similar to chickenpox, but only affects older adults. Shingles can be transmitted to another touching the open blisters. The disease is caused by inactive remnants of the chickenpox virus that remain dormant until the adult years. Commonly, adults older than sixty who had chickenpox as a child are susceptible.

Smallpox – While there has not been an outbreak of Smallpox in decades, there is the threat of the disease being used as a biological weapon. Therefore, laboratory settings keep a stock of the vaccine on hand. Smallpox symptoms include fever, rash, headache, and body aches. The disease is spread through saliva (sneezing or coughing).

Tetanus - Tetanus is another bacterial infection that releases toxins into the bloodstream. Typically, the bacteria enter your body through a cut or puncture wound. The disease can cause severe muscle pain and spasms, fever, elevated blood pressure, and a rapid pulse.

Typhoid Fever – Related to a strain of Salmonella, Typhoid Fever is not common in the United States. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, body aches, and loss of appetite. If not caught in time, the intestines can rupture.

Yellow Fever – Mosquitoes carry Yellow Fever and can transfer it to humans through a bite. If contracted, flu-like symptoms are to be expected. Headache, malaise, fever, and lack of energy are common. The name “Yellow Fever” comes from the yellow color (jaundice) that tints the skin while the disease is active in the system.

On the market, there are several vaccines to protect against Hepatitis A and B. Currently, only one product protects against Hep A and B, Twinrix(r), but it is only for adults. Infants and children must receive separate shots to gain immunity to the deadly viruses.

Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus lasts approximately two months during which fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice are common.

Hepatitis A affects juveniles and adults more regularly than young children. The virus is spread through contaminated soil and occasionally blood. Usually, the virus is received through food grown in contaminated soil.

Hepatitis B is similar to Hep A, only this virus is passed through blood or body fluids. The Hep B virus attacks the liver causing liver disease and liver cancer. Symptoms include appetite loss, jaundice, nausea, joint pain, and skin rashes. The disease is commonly passed from mother to child.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is used mainly in high-risk groups including gay men, Native Americans, Eskimos, and drug users. It is becoming more common to vaccinate infants just as a precaution. The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given in three doses. Infants receive the vaccination at birth followed by boosters at four and six to fifteen months. Infants, drug users, gay men, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, Eskimos, lab workers, those with multiple sex partners, teachers, and health care professionals should all receive three doses of the vaccine at zero, one, and six month schedules. The same spacing applies for adults who choose the Hep A & B combination vaccine.

All vaccinations are proven to be 97% effective. Immunity takes four weeks to develop and then lasts twenty years. There are no known side effects beyond tenderness at the injection site, and a mild headache.