Immunization saves millions of lives each year in the United States and around the world. Vaccines are injectables that reduce the risk of getting a disease by helping the body’s immune system build protection. Vaccines contain the same germs that cause the disease they protect against. However, they contain weakened or dead germs that do not cause sickness. When you get a vaccine, the immune system responds by building antibodies, just like it would if you were exposed to the disease. Vaccines have been developed against more than 20 life-threatening diseases. Unlike most medications, however, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent diseases. Most currently available vaccines are delivered by injection, although some oral vaccines can be given by mouth.

Vaccines Used in the United States

Adenoviruses: These are viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. An oral vaccine against certain adenoviruses is approved for use in U.S. military personnel who are at high risk. The vaccine is not for the general public.

Anthrax: It is a serious bacterial infection that causes severe illness in humans. Domestic and wild animals can get anthrax by breathing or ingesting spores. Anthrax is rare in the United States but occasional outbreaks do occur. The anthrax vaccine (BioThrax) is used to prevent the disease or prevent symptoms in people who have been exposed.

Cholera: Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of the intestines that spreads through infected water and causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. The FDA has approved a single-dose oral cholera vaccine (Vaxchora) which can reduce the risk of severe diarrhea.

Diphtheria: Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects the membranes in the throat, making it difficult to breathe and swallow and causing potentially fatal heart damage from bacterial toxins in the blood. Combined diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (Daptacel, Infanrix, Tenivac, Adacel, Boostrix, Kinrix, Quadracel, Pediarix, Pentacel) offer protection against this illness.

Hepatitis A: This is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver that spreads through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A vaccines (Vaqta, Havris, Twinrix) have made this disease much less common in the United States. Occasional outbreaks do occur in unvaccinated people.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection of the liver. If the infection lasts more than 6 months, it increases the risk of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines (Heplisav-B, Recombivax, Engerix-B, Pediarix, Twinrix) can help prevent the illness.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): This bacterium is transmitted through the respiratory tract and causes pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections almost exclusively in children under 5 years old but it can also affect adults with certain medical conditions. The Hib vaccine (ActHIB, Hiberix, PedvaxHIB, Pentacel) is given to infants either as a standalone vaccine or as part of a combination vaccine.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): This virus affects the mouth, throat, and genitals. It is transmitted through skin contact or sexual contact. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is given to girls starting at age 9 and can be used in women up to age 26. It helps prevent cancers associated with HPV, such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers.

Seasonal flu: Flu shots protect against three or four common influenza viruses which will be common during the upcoming flu season. Examples include Afluria, Fluad Quad, Fluarix, Flublok Quad, and more.

Japanese encephalitis: This is a viral infection of the brain that can be prevented through immunization. The CDC recommends getting the vaccine (Ixiaro) if you are moving to a country where the disease is endemic to live or stay for more than one month.

Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory secretions. The disease can be prevented with the MMR vaccine (M-M-R II, ProQuad) which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Meningococcal disease: This is a potentially severe and deadly bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal vaccines (Menactra, Menveo, Trumenba, Bexsero) are part of the routine vaccination schedule for children in the United States.

Mumps: This is a viral infection of the salivary glands near the ears. It can be prevented through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine (ProQuad, M-M-R II).

Pertussis: Also called whooping cough, this is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes violent coughing and difficulty breathing. The vaccines for pertussis (Daptacel, Infanrix, Adacel, Boostrix, Kinrix, Quadracel, Pediarix, Pentacel) are usually combination vaccines that also protect against diphtheria.

Pneumococcal diseases: Pneumococcal vaccines (Pneumovax 23, Prevnar 13) protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Poliomyelitis: Polio is a disabling and life-threatening infection caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis. Polio vaccines (Ipol, Kinrix, Qadracel, Pediarix, Pentacel) protect against this disease.

Rabies: This is a potentially fatal viral disease that spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually through an animal bite. The rabies vaccine (RabAvert, Imovax Rabies) is given to high-risk individuals or those who have been exposed.

Rotavirus: This is a contagious diarrhea-causing virus that often affects young children. It can be prevented with vaccines (Rotarix, RotaTeq).

Rubella: Also called German measles, this viral infection is characterized by a distinctive rash. Combination vaccines like M-M-R II and ProQuad protect against rubella.

Shingles: This is a painful infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The CDC recommends that healthy adults above the age of 50 get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), two doses, separated by 2-6 months.

Tetanus: This is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that causes painful contractions of the jaw and neck muscles and difficulty breathing. Protection against tetanus is provided by combination vaccines such as Daptacel, Infanrix, Tenivac, Adacel, Boostrix, Kinrix, Quadracel, Pediarix, and Pentacel.

Tuberculosis: This contagious bacterial infection attacks the lungs. The vaccine for tuberculosis is called BCG. It is not routinely given in the United States but is given to infants and small children in parts of the world where the disease is common.

Typhoid: This is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Routine use of typhoid vaccines (Vivotif, Typhim Vi) is not recommended in the United States but may be advisable for people traveling to parts of the world where typhoid is common.

Varicella: Also called chickenpox, this is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The CDC recommends routine vaccination during childhood to protect against this disease with vaccines like Varivax or ProQuad.

Yellow fever: This potentially fatal flu-like illness is spread through mosquitoes. Yellow fever vaccination with YF-Vax is recommended for travelers to countries where this viral disease is prevalent.

Over-the-Counter Injectable Medications

Injectables (vaccines) are not available over the counter. They are given by healthcare providers according to an immunization schedule or as recommended by the CDC.

Common Side Effects of Vaccines

It is not unusual to have reactions after vaccination, such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site. Other common side effects include muscle and joint aches, mild fever, chills, headache, and tiredness. These symptoms are mild and usually go away on their own pretty quickly.

Common Questions

Should a pregnant woman receive the flu vaccine?

Getting the flu while you’re pregnant increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications like preterm labor and birth. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot during flu season if you’re pregnant. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of the pregnancy and it protects both the mother and her baby.

Why are some people anti-vaxxers? Are vaccines safe for my children?

Most parents vaccinate their children according to the recommended schedule. Some people question the safety of vaccines, however. Vaccines help your child’s immune system recognize and fight serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses. The CDC and FDA take many steps to ensure vaccines are safe before allowing the general public to start receiving them.

Can I get a discount on injectables with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including injectable vaccines—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References:

1.    https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#

2.    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vaccines-list.html

3.    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-indications.html#

4.    https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety/side_effects

5.    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/pregnant-women/need-to-know.html