Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - March 1993
Robert S. Jenkins, M.D.

Measles, Mumps And Rubella (MMR) are usually given during childhood. In fact, in the US they are required for entrance into elementary school. If you haven't received these, consult your physician.

Tetanus and Diptheria (Td) Booster vaccinations are recommended every ten years for everyone, whatever their serostatus, assuming the person completed the "primary series" as a child. If you have not completed the "primary series," consult your physician. Most children complete the "primary series" since it is a requirement for entrance into elementary school in the US.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (pneumovax) is a once in a lifetime vaccination against Pneumococcal pneumonia, which is a bacterial pneumonia. It does not vaccinate against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). This vaccine is recommended for anyone who is immune compromised or over the age of 65. This is not a normal childhood vaccination and is highly recommended for anyone who is HIV+. Approximately 1% of people who receive this vaccine experience general malaise, headache, fever and muscle aches. Approximately 50% of people experience pain or redness at the injection site.

Flu Vaccines (influenza vaccines) are recommended for HIV+ individuals, people over 65 years old and health care workers. The vaccination is given once a year, during the months of September, October and November. The vaccination should be given before the "flu season" hits in December through March. Persons who are allergic to eggs should not be given the flu vaccine.

Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine is a vaccine to hemophilus bacteria, not to be confused with the aforementioned influenza (flu) vaccine which protects against a virus. Hemophilus influenza type B is a bacteria and can cause pneumonia, sinus infections and earaches. There is a vaccine to hemophilus influenza type B; it is a single injection and there is an 8.5% side effect rate of weakness, nausea, dizziness, muscle aches and fever. There is some controversy about whether all patients should receive this vaccination, so ask your doctor his/her opinion.

Hepatitis B Vaccinations are recommended for all health care workers and all sexually active adults.

Note that, in general, vaccines are not covered by private health insurance, Medicare or MediCal and thus are the financial responsibility of the patient and cannot be billed to your insurance company.
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