Disease: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of mild respiratory illness. However, it can cause severe illness in infants, adults older than 75, and some adults with chronic health conditions. Before immunization, RSV infection was the most common cause of hospitalization of young infants in the United States.
Vaccines: A dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for adults at higher risk of serious RSV disease. To protect infants, RSV vaccine may be given during pregnancy, or infants may be given a preventive antibody product during or before their first RSV season.
Disease: Rubella (German measles) is a mild viral illness causing fever and rash. However, infection during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or serious birth defects, known as congenital rubella syndrome.
Vaccine: The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically given in early childhood, provides lifelong protection against rubella and prevents infection during pregnancy.
Disease: Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can get shingles. It leads to a painful blistering rash and sometimes long-term nerve pain. Without vaccination, about one in three adults will develop shingles in their lifetime.
Vaccine: The recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, provides strong, long-lasting protection. It is recommended for all adults aged 50 and older and for younger adults who have a weakened immune system.
Disease: Tetanus occurs when the Clostridium tetani bacteria enter the body through cuts or wounds, releasing toxins that cause painful muscle stiffness and spasms. It can lead to death. The bacteria live in the soil and infection does not spread from person to person.
Vaccine: The tetanus vaccine, given with diphtheria and pertussis as DTaP or Tdap, provides excellent protection and a booster dose every 10 years sustains lifelong protection.
Disease: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a virus transmitted by tick bites in parts of Europe and Asia. It is rare, but can cause fever, headache, and brain inflammation, leading to long-term brain problems.
Vaccine: The TBE vaccine series is highly effective and recommended for certain travelers or residents in areas where TBE is spread, especially if involved in outdoor activities where tick bites are likely.
Disease: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria and spreads through contaminated food or water. It causes prolonged fever, weakness, rash, and abdominal pain. It can cause life-threatening complications, including bleeding or perforation of the intestines.
Vaccine: Typhoid vaccines, given as a series of capsules or by injection, help protect travelers to countries where typhoid is common.
Disease: Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. The toxin produced by the bacteria damages the delicate lining of the airways and causes severe coughing fits and breathing difficulties that can last for weeks. You can get sick with pertussis more than once during your lifetime. It is especially dangerous for young infants and can cause them to stop breathing.
Vaccine: The DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Booster doses are recommended during every pregnancy to protect newborns. Tdap is also recommended for any adult who has not had it.
Disease: Yellow fever is an infection caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes in certain tropical regions of Africa and South America. It causes fever, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), and bleeding, and can be fatal.
Vaccine: A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection for most people and is required for travel to certain countries where yellow fever is transmitted.
RSV / RSV-mAB