Vaccines

For more information on the ongoing measles outbreak, visit dshs.texas.gov/measles

The DSHS Immunizations Section provides reliable and up-to-date information on the science and safety of vaccines. Resources for making an informed, confident choice regarding vaccinations for yourself, your patients and your family are available.

Need vaccine information tailored to specific ages? Check out:

Kids' vaccines (recommendations for kids birth through 7)

Adolescent vaccines (recommendations for kids 11-18)

Maternal vaccines (recommendations for pregnant women)

Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Female doctor putting Band-Aid on male patient's right arm Learn more about these diseases, including:

How they spread
Signs and symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Information from the CDC about these diseases

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a disease that causes itchy blisters that can cover the entire body. Kids with chickenpox can be very uncomfortable and some kids get hundreds of blisters. While chickenpox can be mild, there’s no way to know who will have a serious case. The chickenpox vaccine protects children from this disease without the risk of serious complications.

General Symptoms:	Itchy rash of blisters that can appear all over the body Fever Headache Tiredness
Serious Outcomes:	Death. Babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
Risk:	Highly contagious
How it spreads:	Close contact with an infected person by touch or breathing in virus particles Contact with someone who has shingles
Prevention:	Varicella vaccine

Learn more on the CDC’s chickenpox page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Varicella (Chickenpox).

Diptheria

Diphtheria starts with a sore throat, fever and chills, followed by a thick white or grey coating in the back of the throat. Which makes it hard to breathe or swallow. For some people, this coating can become so thick that they have difficulty breathing, which can lead to death. The diphtheria vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications.

General Symptoms:	Sore throat Mild fever (101 degrees or less) Chills White or grey coating in the throat
Serious Outcomes:	Difficulty or inability to breathe Nerve damage Damage to the heart, including abnormal heart rhythms and myocarditis (inflammation in the heart) Death
Risk:	Highly contagious
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Contact with objects used by someone with the infection. Contact with surfaces that have been touched by the infected person. The virus can live on surfaces for months.
Prevention:	Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Combo vaccine (DTaP)

Learn more on the CDC’s diphtheria page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Diphtheria.

Flu

Influenza (flu) is caused by viruses that can come in multiple strains. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, though in serious cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and/or death. Certain people such as young children and older adults are at risk for more serious infection. The flu is a seasonal illness that typically occurs around fall and winter. Getting annual flu vaccinations, washing your hands, and maintaining proper hygiene can protect against the flu.

General Symptoms:	Fever or feeling feverish/chills Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Headache Body or muscle aches
Serious Outcomes:	Pneumonia Sinus and ear infections Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues Multi-organ failure Sepsis Hospitalization Death
Risk:	Pregnant women Children 5 years and younger Adults 65 years or older People with chronic health problems such as heart or lung disease
How it spreads:	The flu is spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs. The flu can also be spread when a person touches a surface with the flu virus on it and then touches their nose or mouth.
Prevention:	Getting vaccinated against the flu each year. Washing your hands Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or your sleeve. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth Cleaning common surfaces like doorknobs, handles, and keyboards Staying home from school or work if you are feeling ill

Learn more:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. Children under 6 years old often don’t have symptoms but can pass the disease to others, including unvaccinated older siblings or adults, who can get very sick. There is no specific treatment, but the hepatitis A vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease. Symptoms can last for up to six months.

General Symptoms:	Fever Loss of appetite Tiredness Stomach pain Vomiting Dark urine Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice from liver disease)
Serious Outcomes:	Older children, adolescents and adults often feel very weak and sick.
Risk:	Very contagious
How it spreads:	Germs from an infected person’s stool (poop) get into someone’s mouth via dirty hands, objects, or food. This can happen easily from a tiny germ on a doorknob or dirty diaper. Germs can live on surfaces for months.
Prevention:	Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause short-term or lifelong infection. Some people who get it have a mild illness with few or no symptoms and others require hospitalization. Infants and young children often don’t have symptoms. They can pass hepatitis B to others, including unvaccinated older siblings or adults, who can get very sick. There is no cure, but the hepatitis B vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease. Symptoms usually appear three or four months after infection.

General Symptoms:	Loss of appetite Fever Tiredness Pain in muscles, joints and stomach Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting Dark urine
Serious Outcomes:	Over time, lifelong infection can cause liver damage that can lead to liver cancer.
Risk:	Contagious
How it spreads:	Through contact with the blood of an infected person: Mothers can unknowingly pass hepatitis B to their babies at birth. Open cuts or sores. Sharing toothbrushes or other personal items. Touching a surface with the virus, which can live on surfaces for at least seven days.
Prevention:	Hepatitis B Vaccine

Learn more on the DSHS hepatitis B page.

The ACIP recommends all pregnant women be screened for Perinatal Hepatitis B.

The Texas Department of State Health Services hosts a biennial conference about Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program (PHBPP).

The safety of all Texas children is imperative; infants infected with Perinatal Hepatitis B have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The PNHPP documents statistics and data on infants infected with Perinatal Hepatitis B.

Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)

Hib is a serious illness caused by a bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The most common type of Hib is meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Babies and children younger than 5 years are most at risk. Even with treatment, an unvaccinated child with Hib can have brain damage, deafness, or even die. Symptoms will vary and depend on the part of the body that is affected.

General Symptoms:	Fever Headache or stiff neck Nausea and vomiting Eyes are sensitive to light Confusion Poor eating and drinking Low alertness Irritability (mostly in babies)
Serious Outcomes:	Pneumonia (lung infection) Throat swelling that makes it hard to breathe Infections of the blood, joints, bones and covering of the heart Hospitalization for most children
Risk:	Contagious
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.
Prevention:	Hib vaccine

Learn more on the CDC’s Hib page or DSHS Haemophilus Influenzae (Including Hib).

Measles

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that affects the lungs and breathing. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Most people who have not had the vaccine will get measles if exposed to the virus. There is no specific treatment, but the MMR vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Rash of tiny, red spots that start at the head and spread to the rest of the body Fever Cough, runny nose and red eyes Diarrhea Ear infection
Serious Outcomes:	Hospitalization Pneumonia (a serious lung infection) Lifelong brain damage Deafness Death
Risk:	Very contagious. A person can catch measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been, even up to two hours after that person has left.
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.
Prevention:	Measles, mumps and rubella combo vaccine (MMR)

Learn more:

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood infection). Complications of meningococcal invasive disease can result in permanent hearing loss, brain damage, loss of limbs, and death. Vaccines are available to prevent certain strains of meningococcal disease.

General Symptoms:	High fever Rash of small purplish spots Vomiting Visual sensitivity to light Mental confusion Drowsiness Chills Neck stiffness
Serious Outcomes:	The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing widespread infection and inflammation throughout the body. The infection can cause tissue damage and necrosis, requiring an amputation. Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, and other neurological complications.
Risk:	Children younger than 1 year old Teens and young adults ages 16 through 23 years old Adults 65 years and older Those with persistent complement component deficiencies Those with functional and anatomic asplenia Those with an HIV infection Microbiologists are at increased risk if they routinely work with the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. People who live in close quarters with others including military recruits and college students who live in dormitories International travelers to places where meningococcal disease is common
How it spreads:	Direct contact with respiratory and throat secretions (e.g. kissing) Indirect contact (e.g. sharing of eating utensils, toothbrushes), or Aerosol droplets (e.g. coughing and sneezing).
Prevention:	People 10 years or older who are getting MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same visit All preteens and teens at 11 to 12 years old with a booster dose at 16 years old MenACWY vaccination. People 10 years or older at increased risk for meningococcal disease MenB vaccination. MenABCWY vaccination

Learn more on the CDC’s meningococcal disease page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Meningococcal Invasive Disease.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral illness that causes puffy cheeks. In most people, mumps is mild, but in some cases it can cause long-lasting health problems and even death. There is no treatment for mumps, but the MMR vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Fever Headache Muscle aches Tiredness Loss of appetite Swollen glands under the ears or jaw
Serious Outcomes:	Meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) Deafness (temporary or permanent) Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) Orchitis (swelling of the testicles) Oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries) and/or mastitis (swelling of the breasts) Death
Risk:	Very contagious.
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups, with an infected person. Close-contact activities like sports, dancing or kissing an infected person. Touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by an infected person.
Prevention:	Measles, mumps and rubella combo vaccine (MMR)

Learn more on the CDC’s mumps page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Mumps.

Mpox

Mpox is an emerging disease that is caused by direct, close skin-to skin contact with a person infected with mpox. Symptoms can include fever, head and muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes followed by a rash. Mpox can lead to severe complications such as secondary infections and hospitalization. A vaccine to protect against mpox is available for those at higher risk, and avoiding direct contact with cases or objects used by an infected person is also recommended.

General Symptoms:	Fever Headache Muscle aches Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion A rash that can look like pimples or blisters appears on the hand, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals
Serious Outcomes:	Larger, more widespread rash Longer infectiousness and/or illness Encephalitis Ocular disease Hospitalization
Risk:	Having direct, close contact with someone who has mpox Having multiple, or new sexual partners Sharing a household with someone who has mpox Being immunosuppressed may lead to a higher risk of severe mpox infection
How it spreads:	Direct, close skin-to skin contact including with rash, scabs, or body fluids from an infected person Contact with saliva or other respiratory droplets from an infected person Contact with objects, fabrics, or surfaces that have been used by an infected person
Prevention:	Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have mpox or have a rash that looks like mpox Avoid contact with objects and materials touched or used by a person with mpox such as utensils, towels, clothing, or bedding Wash hands especially after using the restroom, eating, or touching your face Get vaccinated against mpox if you are at higher risk of being exposed

Learn more on the CDC's Mpox page.

Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal illnesses are caused by bacteria. They can affect the ears, lungs, blood and brain. Symptoms are often mild, but in some cases can lead to lifelong disabilities or even death. Children younger than 2 years are at higher risk for these infections. Pneumococcal disease has become resistant to treatments, so prevention through vaccination gives children the best protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease. Symptoms depend on what body part is affected.

General Symptoms:	Ears (otitis media) Pain Red, swollen eardrum Fever Sleepiness Lungs (pneumococcal pneumonia) Fever Chills Cough Rapid or difficult breathing Chest pain Blood poisoning (bacteremia and sepsis) Fever Chills Low alertness Brain and spinal cord (pneumococcal meningitis) Stiff neck Headache High fever Light sensitivity Confusion In babies, poor eating and drinking, low alertness, or vomiting
Serious Outcomes:	Deafness Brain damage Loss of arms or legs Death
Risk:	Contagious.
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough. Some infected children won’t show symptoms but can still spread the disease.
Prevention:	Pneumococcal vaccine

Learn more on the CDC’s pneumococcal page or DSHS Immunizations | Pneumococcal Disease.

Polio

Polio is a serious disease that attacks the nervous system and can lead to lifelong paralysis or death. There is no cure or specific treatment, so prevention through vaccination gives children the best protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Flu-like symptoms for some people, but most won’t have any.
Serious Outcomes:	Lifelong weakness or paralysis of arms and/or legs. New muscle pain, weakness or paralysis after being infected; this can happen 15 to 40 years later. Death
Risk:	Very contagious.
How it spreads:	Germs from an infected person’s stool (poop) get into someone’s mouth via dirty hands, objects or food. This can happen easily from a tiny germ on a doorknob or dirty diaper. Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.
Prevention:	Polio vaccine

Learn more on the CDC’s polio page.

Rabies

Rabies is a virus that is transmitted by wildlife or unvaccinated domesticated animals that affects the central nervous system. While it should be noted that not all animals have rabies, any suspected case of rabies should be taken seriously and immediate precautions should be taken. Proper rabies treatment if exposed and vaccinating domesticated animals can prevent the disease.

General Symptoms:	First symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. Symptoms can progress into neurologic symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, and agitation. Further progression would include abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia.
Serious Outcomes:	Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
Risk:	Majority of people in the United States have a low risk of coming into contact with rabies. Some people are at a higher risk due to working directly with animals that could have rabies or those who travel to parts of the world where rabies is common and access to medical care is limited. Children are often at greatest risk due to being more likely to be bitten by dogs and have multiple bites in high-risk sites on the body.
How it spreads:	Rabies is often spread by the bite of a rabid animal or through saliva of a rabid animal being introduced into a fresh scratch or similar break in the skin. Animals such as bats, coyotes, foxes, racoons, and skunks are at higher risk for rabies and thus are more likely to transmit the disease. These animals can then encounter domestic animals such as household cats and dogs.
Prevention:	Avoiding handling wild animals and dogs and cats you do not know, especially if they appear to be sick. Getting vaccinated before exposure to rabies if you work directly with animals that could have rabies or travel to parts of the world where rabies is common and access to medical care is limited. Getting rabies vaccination and immune globulin treatment after being exposed to rabies. Vaccinating domesticated animals such as dogs and cats Quarantining domestic animals such as dogs and cats who are involved in biting incidents or suspected of being rabid should be confined in isolation under veterinary supervision for at least 10 days.

Learn more

Rotavirus

Rotavirus mostly affects babies and young children, causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. More severe cases can lead to serious dehydration. There is no cure for rotavirus, so prevention through vaccination gives children the best protection without the risk of serious complications of the disease. The rotavirus vaccine is given through drops in the mouth, not by a shot.

General Symptoms:	Fever Vomiting Stomach pain Diarrhea
Serious Outcomes:	Not eating and drinking while sick. Dehydration, which can be deadly for babies and young children.
Risk:	Highly contagious.
How it spreads:	Germs from an infected person’s stool (poop) get into someone’s mouth via dirty hands, objects or food. This can happen easily from a tiny germ on a doorknob or dirty diaper. The virus can survive on surfaces for several days.
Prevention:	Rotavirus vaccine

Learn more on the CDC’s rotavirus page.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory illness, that while mild for most people, can cause severe illness in infants, toddlers, and adults aged 60 years and older. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. Symptoms can be different between children younger than 2 and those older, but it typically presents with symptoms similar to other respiratory infections. It can spread through coughing and sneezing or touching contaminated services. RSV can be prevented by new immunization products for infants, pregnant women, and adults aged 60 and older, staying home from work and school when ill, and following good hand hygiene, and covering sneezing and coughs.

General Symptoms:	Low grade fever Congested or runny nose Sore throat Cough Headache Fatigue Wheezing Symptoms for young infants may present as irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Serious Outcomes:	Worsening croupy cough Unusually rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Bluish color of lips or fingernails indicating low blood oxygen levels Bronchiolitis Pneumonia Middle ear infections Respiratory failure Hospitalization
Risk:	Older adults Infants up to 12 months, especially 6 months and younger Premature infants Children and adults with weakened immune systems Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease Adults with chronic heart and lung disease Adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities Children who have neuromuscular disorders
How it spreads:	Contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person when they are talking, sneezing, or coughing Direct contact with someone who is infected with RSV Contact with a surface with the RSV on it and then touches their nose or mouth.
Prevention:	Getting immunized against RSV for infants, some higher risk children, pregnant women, and adults aged 60 years or older. Staying home from school and work when ill Washing your hands and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or sleeve Cleaning frequently touched surfaces Avoiding close contact with others who might be ill

Learn more on the CDC's RSV page.

Rubella

Rubella, often called German measles, is a viral disease that is usually mild in children. Complications occur more often in adults. Women who plan to become pregnant should get the MMR vaccine. Infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or birth defects including deafness, blindness, intellectual disability, heart defects and liver or spleen damage. The MMR vaccine is the best way to give children and those around them protection from rubella without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Mild fever Rash starting on face that spreads to rest of body Older children and adults may also have: Swollen glands Cough, runny nose and red or swollen eyes Aching joints (especially in young women)
Serious Outcomes:	Brain infections Bleeding problems Miscarriage and birth defects
Risk:	Highly contagious.
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from the sneeze or cough of an infected person. Often infected people don’t have symptoms but can still spread the disease.
Prevention:	Measles, mumps and rubella combo vaccine (MMR)

Learn more on the CDC’s rubella page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Rubella (German Measles).

Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria that live in soil, dust and manure. Also known as “lockjaw,” tetanus causes painful muscle contractions, often starting in the jaw and neck, that can make it hard to open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus can lead to death. The DTaP vaccine is the best way to give children protection from tetanus without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Jaw cramping Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms, often in the stomach Painful muscles and stiffness all over the body Trouble swallowing Seizures Headache Fever and sweating Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Serious Outcomes:	Breathing problems Muscle spasms, which can be strong enough to break a child’s spine or other bones Paralysis Death
Risk:	Not transmitted from person to person
How it spreads:	Bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin such as punctures, cuts, sores, burns and animal bites.
Prevention:	Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Combo vaccine (DTaP)

Learn more on the CDC’s tetanus page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Tetanus.

Whooping Cough

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious respiratory illness that can cause violent coughing fits. Gasping for breath after a coughing fit can sometimes cause a “whooping” sound, but not all children make this noise. These coughing fits can last 10 weeks or longer and they can return the next time the child has a respiratory illness. Babies can easily catch whooping cough from family members who don’t know they have it. Half of all whooping cough deaths are among babies less than 2 months old, who are too young to get vaccinated. By getting the DTaP vaccine, pregnant women can pass temporary protection to their babies. Once babies are old enough to be vaccinated, the DTaP vaccine is the best way to give them protection from whooping cough without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

General Symptoms:	Runny nose Coughing Sneezing Low-grade fever Mild cough (not in babies)
Serious Outcomes:	Difficulty breathing, eating, drinking or sleeping Violent coughing fits that may cause vomiting Gasping for breath after a coughing fit, causing a “whooping” sound Babies may: Gag, gasp, or stop breathing Be hospitalized Develop pneumonia (a serious lung infection) Have seizures Turn blue or purple from a lack of oxygen Suffer brain damage
Risk:	Highly contagious
How it spreads:	Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.
Prevention:	Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Combo vaccine (DTaP)

Learn more on the CDC’s whooping cough page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever is an viral illness transmitted to humans by the bites of certain species of mosquitoes in parts of Africa and Central America. Symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache typically develop 3-6 days after infection. While many people may have mild symptoms, 12% of people will develop serious illness. Yellow fever can be prevented by getting vaccinated or preventing mosquito bites when traveling to areas where yellow fever occurs. To check if a yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your travel location, see CDC’s website on Traveler’s Health located here: Yellow Fever | Disease Directory | Travelers' Health | CDC

General Symptoms:	Fever Chills Loss of appetite Headache Nausea Vomiting Muscle and backache
Serious Outcomes:	High fever Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) Bleeding Shock Organ Failure
Risk:	People who are living or travelling to certain parts of Africa and South America where yellow fever is seen in humans or monkeys and there are mosquitos to spread the virus
How it spreads:	Transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito that become infected through contact with infected humans or monkeys
Prevention:	Preventing mosquito bites through repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and keeping mosquitoes out of your lodging and sleeping. Controlling mosquitoes indoors and outdoors through screens on windows and doors, using air conditioning, and preventing any standing water in the environment where mosquitos could lay eggs in or near Getting vaccinated before traveling or living in areas at risk in Africa and South America

Learn more on the CDC's yellow fever page.

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Vaccines

Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Chickenpox

Diptheria

Flu

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)

Measles

Meningococcal Disease

Mumps

Mpox

Pneumococcal

Polio

Rabies

Rotavirus

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Rubella

Tetanus

Whooping Cough

Yellow Fever