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DTaP, pediatric DT, Td, Tdap
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DTaP contains diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccines for children age 6 weeks through 6 years. Pediatric DT contains diphtheria and tetanus without the pertussis components for children age 6 weeks through 6 years. "Adult" Td contains tetanus and a smaller amount of diphtheria than the pediatric version and is used for children age 7 years through adulthood. TdaP contains tetanus, a smaller amount of diphtheria than the pediatric version and is used for adolescents and adults. One brand is licensed for age 10 through 18 years and the second brand is licensed for age 11 through 64 years.
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Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
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Hib vaccine is recommended routinely for children age 6 weeks through 4 years, but also may be given to older children and adults who have a poorly functioning spleen or no spleen. Because of manufacturing delays with one Hib vaccine manufacturer, there is a temporary decrease in Hib vaccine supply. CDC has advised providers not to give the Hib vaccine booster to healthy children aged 12-15 months. Providers should continue to give this booster to high-risk children with asplenia, sickle cell disease, HIV, other immune syndromes, or those who are Alaskan or Native American.
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HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine
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HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine that can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. Most HPV infections don't cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. But HPV is important mainly because it can cause cervical cancer in women. Every year in the U.S. about 10,000 women get cervical cancer and 3,700 die from it. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. In King County, an average of 57 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer each year between 1998 and 2002 and an average of 15 King County women died from cervical cancer each year between 1999 and 2003.
Gardasil, the new HPV vaccine from Merck has been available through some providers since it was licensed in June 2006. It is recommended for females age 9 through 26 years. Privately-purchased vaccine is available through many clinics and health care providers in the community for women ages 19 to 26 years.
Three doses of the HPV vaccine, given over six months time, should be routinely given to girls when they are 11 or 12 years old. However, girls and women up to age 26 will also benefit from getting the vaccine. The vaccine should be administered before onset of sexual activity (i.e., before women are exposed to the viruses), but females who are sexually active should still be vaccinated.
More information:
Where to get vaccine:
For 19 - 26 year olds, the HPV vaccine is available through some community health care providers and pharmacies. The vaccine is not free, but some health insurance providers may cover the cost.
Washington passed a law, RCW 70.95M.115, that restricts the use of vaccines that contain thimerosal for children under 3 years of age and for pregnant women, effective July 1, 2007. The law affects flu vaccine in multiple-dose vials, meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine and Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Information about RCW 70.95M.115 (PDF).
How does this law affect flu vaccine?
- If you are pregnant or become pregnant after July 1, 2007, you must get a mercury-free flu shot (a flu shot with no more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose).
- If you have a child who will be under three years of age after July 1, 2007, he or she must get a mercury-free flu shot (a flu shot with no more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose).
Related links:
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Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
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Public Health - Seattle & King County fact sheets:
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Polio (IPV, inactivated polio)
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This vaccine may be given to adults and children as pre-exposure (travel, certain occupations or activities) or post-exposure (usually an animal bite).
- Shingles disease questions and answers
- Vaccine information (PDF)
- Where to get shingles vaccine: Public Health Centers currently do not carry Zostavax (shingles vaccine). Many pharmacies and some health care providers have or can order the vaccine. Medicare Part B will cover the administration fee. Medicare Part D may cover the vaccine cost, depending on which plan you have.
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Where to go for immunizations |
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Public Health Centers provide immunizations for adults age 19 and over (age 20 and over for Hepatitis) for current patients only. If you are not a current patient at one of the Public Health Centers, please contact your health care provider to make an appointment.
If you need a TB (tuberculin) skin test, Hepatitis B, or other immunization for work, you can look for an occupational health clinic in your area, such as:
- Valley Medical Center Occupational Health Clinic
- Health Force Occupational Health Clinic
- US Wellness Works
If you need help finding a doctor, please call the Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 206-284-0331 or 800-756-5437 CHAP staff can refer you to a Community Health Clinic offering full health services, including immunizations. If you do not have medical coverage, clinic fees are based on your income.
Many pharmacies in King County offer immunizations. Ask at the pharmacies near your home.
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Additional immunization resources |
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Email, fax and phone numbers:
- LOCAL: Public Health - Seattle & King County
- Immunization Program: 206-296-4774
- Vaccine Distribution Program: 206-296-4782
- Communicable Disease Hotline: 206-296-4949
- Email: vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov
- STATE: Washington State Immunization Program:
- Main number: 360-236-3595
- FEDERAL: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Immunization Program e-mail address: nipinfo@cdc.gov
- Telephone consultation: CDC-INFO Contact Center, staffed 8 am-11pm (EST)
- English and Spanish: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
- CDC Fax Information Service: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299)
The need for vaccinations doesn't end in childhood. There are vaccines and boosters we need at different ages and for different circumstances to keep us healthy. For example, some adults may be more at risk for certain diseases due to age or a preexisting illness.
