The hepatitis A vaccine consists of inactive hepatitis A viruses that make the human body produce antibodies, which strengthen the immune system against the disease. The vaccine is administered through an injection, and according to the Mayo Clinic, adults should receive a second shot (or booster) between six and 18 months after their first vaccination to be fully immunized.
Vaccines for hepatitis B are made up of a synthetic protein that prompts the body to develop antibodies to fight the disease. Like the hepatitis A vaccination, it is administered via a shot, though hepatitis B immunization usually requires a series of three shots over a six month period.
A physician may combine the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
The haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is used to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, epiglottis, and other illnesses caused by haemophilus bacteria. It is a conjugate vaccination, which is created when an antigen is attached to a protein. Most people over five years old do not need the vaccine, but it may be required anyway. It is administered via injection and can be combined with other vaccines.
Measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles) vaccines are commonly combined into one inoculation. These three vaccines can also be combined with the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
The vaccines are all made from weakened strains of their respective viruses and are usually administered in two doses several years apart.
The Mayo Clinic recommends recipients have a blood test for hepatitis B antibodies after they are vaccinated with MMR or MMRV to make sure they are producing the proper antibodies to fight the illnesses.
Most strains of meningitis are prevented in adolescents and adults by a meningococcal vaccine. This vaccine, administered via shot, is made up of dead meningococcal bacteria that help a person develop antibodies against live meningococcal bacteria. At this time, only one dose of the vaccination is required.
There are two combination vaccines given to adolescents and adults to protect against pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough), tetanus and diphtheria. The first is Tdap, a combination of all three vaccines administered via injection.
The second vaccination is referred to as Td--a combination of the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults get a Td booster every ten years; because the vaccines are inactivated toxins, a person's immunity declines over time.
There are two types of polio vaccine. One is the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), which is administered in a series of three injections. This is the most common form of the vaccine in the United States. The other is the live oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), given in three oral doses. While it is no longer used in the United States, OPV is still administered in other parts of the world.
The National Network for Immunization Information offers a national database of the vaccinations required in each state. Because different secondary schools, colleges, and universities may require additional vaccinations, it is important to check the requirements of your particular program and/or school before your trip. You'll want to bring along proof of the required immunizations from your doctor.
