Offered at Both Locations

Immunization can protect you and your family members from a variety of health problems.  Below you will find the most common types.  We also offer the Gardasil  immunization which helps protect women against cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and genital warts related to HPV and the Zostavax immunization  which protects against Shingles.  See below for more information!

Child Immunization Schedule

Child Immunization Schedule (Spanish)

CHICKENPOX (Varicella)

The State Department of Health added routine vaccinations for chickenpox to its recommended list in 1996.  The recommended schedule is to give children ages 12 -- 18 months a one-dose vaccination.  Unvaccinated children without a reliable history of chickenpox and susceptible adolescents and adults also should be vaccinated (the dosage varies for these individuals).  The vaccine is highly effective, but may not provide full protection to everyone.

FLU AND PNEUMONIA

It is best to get these vaccinations in the fall.  We strongly recommend both these vaccines for those over 60 and for those with any chronic disease or respiratory ailment  including asthma, even in children.  The pneumonia vaccine is given only once and the flu vaccine yearly.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE (HB)

Hepatitis B vaccine is given by injection.  Three doses, given on three different dates, are needed for full protection.  Exactly when these three doses are given can vary.  Infants can get the vaccine at the same time as other baby shots, or during regular visits for well child care.  Your doctor or nurse will tell you when the three shots should be given.

Due to the potential congenital defects in babies born to mothers who have rubella during pregnancy, we strongly recommend that girls in their late teens and early twenties be immunized for rubella (German Measles), if they did not get the second MMR or rubella vaccine as a child or teenager.  Generally, if you’ve had German Measles, you are immune;  however, we have tests to determine immunity.  It is recommended that pregnancy not occur until three months after immunization.

MEASLES (RUBEOLA)

If your child has been immunized before the end of 1957 or was less than 15 months of age, it has been suggested by the State Board of Health that the child be re-immunized for measles.  The State of Minnesota also requires a second measles immunization be given prior to seventh grade.  A blood test can be taken to check for immunity as an adult.

Gardasil vaccine helps protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18:

            Cervical Cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb)

            Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions

            Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions

            Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions

            Genital Warts

Gardasil is for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age.  It is given as a series of 3 doses, given 2 months apart.  HPV is a common virus.  In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 20 million people in the U.S.  had the virus.  If undetected, it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts depending on the type of virus you have.  The CDC estimates that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime.  Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms and can pass on the virus to others without even knowing it.

It is important to know that having this vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening.  Females who receive Gardasil should continue annual cervical screening and pap smears.