Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - Home

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Although it is rare, people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Contact with anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals. Anthrax is not contagious, which means you can’t catch it like the cold or flu.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an anthrax vaccine, which is advised for adults 18 - 65 who may be at risk of exposure to anthrax bacteria.

For more information from the CDC on Anthrax, click here.

Diphtheria is a serious illness caused by a toxin released by certain strains of the bacterium called Corynebacterium diptheriae. It is primarily transmitted through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Additionally, individuals can contract the infection by coming into contact with open sores or ulcers.

Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. There are several combination vaccines used to prevent diphtheria: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td.

Diphtheria once was a major cause of illness and death among children. The U.S. recorded 206,000 cases of diphtheria in 1921, resulting in 15,520 deaths. Before there was treatment for diphtheria, up to half of the people who got the disease died from it.

Starting in the 1920s, diphtheria rates dropped quickly in the U.S. and other countries that began widely vaccinating. In the past decade, there were less than five cases of diphtheria in the U.S. reported to CDC. However, the disease continues to play a role globally. In 2011, 4,887 cases of diphtheria were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), but there are likely many more cases. 

For more information on Diphtheria click  here.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Vaccines are available for long-term prevention of HAV infection in persons 1 year of age and older. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can also help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. 

HAV is contagious and can spread through close contact between individuals, as well as by consuming contaminated food or beverages. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against hepatitis A. 

Between 2021 and 2022, there was an almost 60% reduction in the number of newly reported HAV cases.

For more information on Hepatitis A from the CDC, click here.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

HBV is infectious and spreads through contact with contaminated blood and bodily fluids.

Hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups to prevent HBV infection.

For more information on Hepatitis B from the CDC, click here.

Haemophilus influenzae (H.influenza) type b vaccine prevents meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia (lung infection), epiglottitis (a severe throat infection), and other serious infections caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b. People spread H. influenzae to others by coughing or sneezing.

It is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old in the U.S., and it is usually given to infants starting at 2 months old. In certain situations, patients at increased risk for inactive Hib disease who are fully vaccinated need additional doses of Hib vaccine and unimmunized older children, adolescents, and adults with certain specified medical conditions should receive Hib vaccine. The Hib vaccine can be combined with other vaccines. Some brands of vaccine contain Hib along with other vaccines in a single shot. Hib vaccine can safely be combined with other vaccines to make these combination vaccines.

For more information from the CDC on Haemophilus influenzae type b, click here. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread through close skin-to-skin contact. Most of the time HPV has no symptoms so people do not know they have it.

The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent over 90% of cancers associated with HPV from developing. It's important for all children aged 11 - 12 to receive two doses of the HPV vaccine to safeguard against infections that may lead to certain cancers in the future.

In the U.S., approximately 36,500 individuals of all genders are estimated to receive a cancer diagnosis linked to HPV infection each year. HPV may lead to various types of cancer, including oropharyngeal, anal, vulva, vaginal, penile, and cervical cancer being the most common. Over 15 years of observation and studies have provided strong evidence that the HPV vaccine offers safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers resulting from HPV infections. It is given as a 3-dose vaccine.

For more information on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) from the CDC click here. 

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Most experts agree that influenza viruses primarily transmit through small droplets released when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak. For the 2024-2025 flu season, in the U.S., all influenza vaccines are trivalent and provide protection against an influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and a virus from the B/Victoria lineage.

For more information from the CDC on Influenza, click here.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a potentially severe disease. JE is spread to humans via bites from infected mosquitoes, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus. It does not typically spread from one person to another, with rare exceptions occurring through blood transfusions. This virus is the primary cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia and the western Pacific.

To prevent JE, it is crucial to avoid mosquito bites and to get vaccinated before traveling, if advised. The JE vaccine is approved for individuals aged 2 months and older, including adults.

For more information from the CDC on Japanese encephalitis (JE), click here.

Measles is a very contagious infection that causes a rash all over your body. It is also called rubeola or red measles.

Measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. The disease spreads very easily, so it is important to protect against infection. To prevent measles, children (and some adults) should be vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of this vaccine are needed for complete protection. Children should be given the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose can be given 4 weeks later, but is usually given before the start of kindergarten at 4 to 6 years of age.

Typical symptoms of measles consist of a high fever that can exceed 104ºF, a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The virus spreads through the air whenever an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine offers approximately 97% effectiveness in preventing measles, while a single dose is about 93% effective.

For more information from the CDC on the Measles, click here.

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis, also called meningococcus. About 10% of people have this type of bacteria in the back of their nose and throat with no signs or symptoms of disease, called being 'a carrier'. But sometimes Neisseria meningitis bacteria can invade the body causing certain illnesses, which are known as meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a severe illness that can be deadly within hours. The most effective way to protect against it is through vaccination. Common symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It can be transmitted between individuals through shared respiratory and throat secretions, such as saliva. Both children and adults face an elevated risk of contracting meningococcal disease.

This vaccine is now mandatory for students entering 7th grade in Nevada. For more information, visit our Special Immunization Projects page and click on School Requirements.

For more information from the CDC on Meningococcal disease, click here.

Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a rare viral disease that occurs mainly in the rain forest countries of central and west Africa. There is no specific treatment for mpox. 

Mpox is transmitted through close interaction with infected individuals or animals. It is a viral disease related to the smallpox virus. Those infected with mpox typically develop a rash and may also experience symptoms such as fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. The JYNNEOS vaccine consists of two doses designed to provide protection against both mpox and smallpox.

In Africa, people who got the smallpox vaccine in the past had a lower risk of mpox. CDC has sent out guidelines explaining when smallpox vaccine should be used to protect against mpox. For example, people taking care of pets or someone infected with mpox should think about getting vaccinated.

Mumps is a contagious illness caused by paramyxovirus, and vaccination is an effective way to prevent it. Typical symptoms include swollen cheeks and a sore, enlarged jaw. The disease is transmitted via direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.

It is advisable to receive the MMR vaccine for mumps, receiving two doses of the vaccine is recommended. After the introduction of the standard two-dose MMR vaccination policy, there was a remarkable 99% reduction in mumps cases in the U.S.

For more information from the CDC on the Mumps, click here.

Whooping cough — known medically as pertussis — is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection brought on by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium easily spreads between individuals through the air. In its initial stages, whooping cough resembles a typical cold. However, it may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. 

The most effective method for preventing whooping cough is through vaccination. There are two types of combination vaccines that offer protection against this illness:  DTaP and Tdap.

For more information from the CDC on Whooping cough, click here.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, sometimes referred to as pneumococcus. Pneumococcus can cause many types of illnesses, including ear infections and meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

People can transmit pneumococcal bacteria to others by coming into direct contact with respiratory fluids, such as saliva or mucus. The most effective method to protect against pneumococcal disease is through vaccination. The CDC advises pneumococcal vaccination for individuals depending on their age or specific health conditions.

For more information from the CDC on Pneumococcal disease, click here.

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract. It is most often spread through person-to-person contact with the stool of an infected person and may also be spread through oral/nasal secretions.

Polio used to be very common in the United States and caused severe illness in thousands of people each year before polio vaccine was introduced in 1955. Vaccination has effectively eradicated the wild poliovirus in the U.S. This virus is highly infectious and can cause poliomyelitis, a serious and debilitating disease. Those intending to visit areas with an increased risk of polio infection should get vaccinated against polio well before their travels. Since 2000, the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) has been the only polio vaccine used in the U.S. The CDC advises that children receive four doses of the polio vaccine to safeguard them from serious polio illness, including paralysis.

Most people infected with the polio virus have no symptoms; however, for the less than 1% who develop paralysis it may result in permanent disability and even death.

For more information from the CDC on Polio, click here.

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the CNS (central nervous system) and causes acute inflammation of the brain. It is transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic), most commonly by animal bites - although, there have been cases of humans becoming infected in bat caves after breathing in the air.

In the U.S., measures implemented to manage rabies have significantly reduced its impact as a public health concern. Each year, about 60,000 individuals seek medical assistance after potential exposure to rabies. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you've been exposed. This treatment is known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes wound care, administration of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and receiving four to five rabies vaccinations as soon as possible. The primary animals that transmit rabies in the U.S. include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Rabies infection is nearly always fatal unless prompt treatment is administered before symptoms begin.

For more information from the CDC on Rabies, click here.

Rotavirus is a virus that infects the intestinal tract of almost all young children by age 5. Children can get rotavirus more than once, but the first infection is usually the worst. Rotavirus commonly causes watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children.

While good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and maintaining cleanliness, are crucial, they alone are insufficient to prevent the disease's spread. Rotavirus typically circulates within families, hospitals, and childcare facilities. It is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often due to direct person-to-person contact. Children are especially susceptible to contracting rotavirus during the winter and spring months, from January to June.

For more information from the CDC on Rotavirus, click here.

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. The virus passes from person-to-person via droplets in the air expelled when infected people cough or sneeze - the virus may also be present in the urine, feces and on the skin. In children having symptoms, a red rash is usually the first sign. This rash often starts on the face before progressing to other areas of the body, and it typically lasts for around three days.

An unvaccinated individual who contracts rubella while pregnant risks having a miscarriage, or the baby may die shortly after birth or can develop birth defects. The most effective way to protect against rubella is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

For more information from the CDC on Rubella (German measles), click here.

Shingles is a painful localized skin rash often with blisters that is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles because VZV remains in the nerve cells of the body after the chickenpox infection clears and VZV can reappear years later causing shingles. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience complications from shingles. Approximately one in three individuals in the U.S. will experience shingles (also known as herpes zoster) at some point in their lives. 

Shingles typically presents as a rash on either the left or right side of the body, which can be painful, itchy, or tingling. Those with active lesions can transmit the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is important for individuals with active herpes zoster lesions to cover the affected areas and limit contact with vulnerable individuals in their home and workplace until the lesions have dried and scabbed over. 

Shingles most commonly occurs in people 50 years old or older, people who have medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly, or people who receive immunosuppressive drugs.

Getting vaccinated against shingles is the most effective way to safeguard yourself from this painful condition.

For more information from the CDC on Shingles, click here.

Tetanus (lockjaw) is an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani). Tetanus can cause painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 in 10 cases.

The most effective way to prevent tetanus is through vaccination. Individuals who have never been vaccinated against tetanus face a higher risk, as do those who have not received their 10-year booster shots on schedule. C. tetani spores are present in the environment and typically enter the body through cuts or breaks in their skin. The CDC advises that infants and children under 7 receive routine DTaP vaccinations, while adolescents should receive routine Tdap vaccinations.

For more information from the CDC on Tetanus (lockjaw), click here.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain and mainly transmitted through airborne particles between individuals. It ranks among the top infectious disease killers globally. In 2023, the U.S. reported 9,633 cases of TB. The CDC advises that individuals at higher risk undergo testing for the disease. 

If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the U.S.

The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is available to protect against TB but is not typcially administered in the U.S. Instead, it is given to infants and young children in regions where TB is prevalent.

For more information from the CDC on Tuberculosis (TB), click here.

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the U.S., it is estimated that approximately 5,700 cases occur annually. Most cases (up to 75%) are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 9.2 million persons each year. An estimated 2.8 million cases of paratyphoid fever occur globally each year.

To protect yourself while traveling in areas where this disease is prevalent, consider getting vaccinated against typhoid. In the U.S., there are two types of typhoid vaccines:  an oral version and an injectable one.

For more information from the CDC on Typhoid fever, click here.

Chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and primarily spreads through close interaction with an infected individual. 

The most effective method of protection against chickenpox is vaccination. The CDC advises that children, adolescents, and adults lacking proof of immunity should receive two doses of the varicella vaccine. The vaccination has led to a 97% decrease in cases, demonstrating its effectiveness as a public health measure.

For more information from the CDC on Chickenpox (varicella), click here.

Yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in U.S. travelers.

Illness ranges in severity from a self-limited febrile illness to severe liver disease with bleeding. Yellow fever disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings, laboratory testing, and travel history, including the possibility of exposure to infected mosquitoes.

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever; care is based on symptoms. Steps to prevent yellow fever virus infection include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and getting vaccinated before travel.

A yellow fever virus vaccine (YF-VAX) is available in the U.S.

For more information from the CDC on Yellow fever virus, click here.