Simultaneous Vaccine Administration

A question we receive frequently is “Is it safe to get multiple vaccines all on the same day?” The answer is YES. Data shows that giving simultaneous or multiple vaccines on the same day does not impair antibody responses or increase rates of adverse reactions.

When traveling to developing countries, exposure to multiple vaccine preventable diseases may be imminent and therefore require multiple vaccines. There are two practical advantages to giving those at one appointment:

1. We want you to be immunized against all of the diseases that you are at risk for and make sure there is enough time (usually 2 weeks) for complete antibody response for the trip.
2. This helps save time with less office visits.

Another aspect to consider when getting multiple vaccines is that the immune response to “live vaccines” (like Yellow Fever, MMR, and Varicella) and the results of a TB skin test may be impaired if they are not received on the same day. If you don’t get all live vaccines or a TB test on the same day, you will have to wait at least 28 days before you can resume administration of the vaccines. Live vaccines and inactivated vaccines do not have any interactions, whether given on the same day or different days.

Receiving appropriate vaccines before your trip will prevent you from unnecessary illnesses and help keep you happy & healthy on your trip, and that is our goal is assisting your travel health!

Written by: Tammy Houge, R.N., B.S.N.
For more information, see the CDC website

What Shots Do I Need?

This is a common question we get, regardless of where our travelers are going. As Travel Medicine Specialists, we are always trying to raise awareness of the need to start thinking about this question well in advance of your trip to make sure you are as covered as possible for potential and real health risks while overseas.

Due to numerous variables that come into play when recommending vaccines and anti-malarial prescriptions, it is vital for us to actually see you and discuss this question with you in our office. The variables that get put together to make recommendations for you are:

1. Where exactly you are going within the country (what region you will be in)
2. How long you are there (your length of time on the ground)
3. What you will be doing when you are there (are you in the business meetings the whole time or trekking through the jungle?)
4. Your medical history and the previous vaccines you’ve already had if any (if you have allergies, what medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter medications)
5. Your tolerance for the side effects of certain kinds of vaccines and medications (like some anti-malarials and specialty vaccines)

All these factors come into play when determining what vaccines & prescriptions you would need for your trip.

We will also discuss with you all the current outbreaks happening in the areas you will be, things to watch out for while you are overseas, and what to be aware of and how to protect yourself against common illnesses.

Ideally we’d like to you between 4-6 weeks before you travel, hopefully no less that 2 weeks before you travel, simply because it usually takes 10-14 days before most vaccines are fully effective within your system and with certain prescriptions for malaria, you may need to start them 2 weeks before you land in the country . We are able to see you in a shorter time-frame if needed as well adn can usually get you scheduled in one of our offices within a few days of when you call.

I hope this answers many of your questions about why it’s important to be seen by a Travel Medicine Specialist before you make a trip across borders. Please feel free to call us should you have other concerns or questions at: (303)442-8728 or (719) 387-5528.

Thimerosal-free vs. Preservative-free: Is there a Difference?

Did you know that if you eat fish or wear contacts (and use contact solution) then you are getting the same levels of mercury that you would with the majority of Flu Vaccine currently in use? Most people I talk to about the differences in vaccines don’t realize that. Right now, you may be asking this question: What is Thimerosal anyway? Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative in a variety of vaccines and household items, like contact solution. There has been a lot of research over the years about the Thimerosal Preservative which is used in many vaccines. Debates and essays abound on the subject. Many people call us asking for the “Preservative Free Flu Shot” not knowing that they are asking for something other than that of which they seek. So, I’m here to tell you the difference!

The Thimerosal-free flu shot is 100% ‘clean’, meaning that it has absolutely no preservatives and therefore absolutely no thimerosal. This “thim-free” shot can be given to ages 6-35 months as a pediatric dose, and to 36 months and older as the adult dose. The pediatric dose currently costs $55.00, while the adult dose costs $75.00. The Intranasal Flu Vaccine (Flu Mist) is thimerosal-free as well and costs $40.00.

The Preservative-free flu shot has a very trace amount (< 1 microgram) of thimerosal, which falls below the FDA guidelines so that it can be called “preservative-free”. This shot can only be given to people over 18 years of age, but it’s the same price as the Standard Flu Shot ($25.00).

The Regular flu shot has approximately 25 micrograms of thimerosal, and can be given to anyone 6 months of age or older. The cost of this vaccine is also $25.00. Also, if you have a child ages 6 months to 9 years old and this will be their very first flu shot in their life, they would need a total of 2 doses, a month apart from each other. The first shot is a “primer” while the 2nd shot is actually what immunizes them. 

Please check out our website for our Flu Clinics and Hours: Passport Health Colorado Flu Clinic Page. Now for the stock levels in our offices:

Flu Mist – We have SOLD OUT of Flu Mist 3 weeks ago. We will not be able to receive any more this season, however next year feel free to contact us closer to the beginning of October and we will most likely have it in, ready and there should be no fight for it.

Thimerosal-free Shot - We have also SOLD OUT of all of our thim-free doses earlier this week. We will not be able to receive any more this season, however next year feel free to contact us closer to the beginning of October and we will most likely have it in, ready and there should be no fight for it.

Preservative-Free Shot – We have about 10 doses in each of our 4 offices at this time.

Regular Flu Shot – We have PLENTY!! Come on in during our walk-in clinics or call us to schedule an appointment: 303-442-8728 or 719-387-5528.

Flu Season is Upon Us

IT’S HERE!!! The first documented case of hospitalized flu has been reported in Colorado!

Usually we get our Flu vaccines mid-late September and flu season starts mid-late October. Something most people don’t realize is that it takes approximately 2 weeks before the vaccine becomes fully effective within your system. So, ideally we’d like to see you get vaccinated early-mid October. Not only will this help you as you search for vaccine availability, but it gives enough time for the vaccine to even begin working by the start of the Flu Season.

This year, we have offered the standard Flu Shot, FluMist (which is the intra-nasal spray), and the Thimerasol-free Flu vaccine for both pediatrics and adults. Due to extremely high demand and a hold by the FDA on FluMist, we have quickly run out of the intra-nasal vaccine with no guarantees that we will get more delivered.

Also due to increased demand and the fact that we are the only clinics in the Front Range area who offer the Thimerasol-free vaccine, we have just sold out of all our in-stock doses. We are currently taking names for a “Call List” for those who want to inquire whether we can get more. If we are able to get more, we will call those people on the list in the order they called us, and will get pre-payment for any additional doses of the Thimerasol-free flu vaccine we may receive. Feel free to call us if you have questions or want to be added to our call list. We can be reached at: (303) 442-8728 or (719) 387-5528.

For the standard flu shot, we currently have walk-in clinics during specific hours of the week at all of our locations. Walk-in clinic hours are as follows:

Boulder: Mondays 1p-4p; Wednesdays 3p-5p (through Nov. 21, 2007) and Saturday Nov. 3rd from 9a-1p.
Lakewood: Mondays 1p-4p; Wednesdays 3p-5p (through Nov. 19, 2007)  and Saturday Nov. 3rd from 9a-1p.
Centennial: Mondays 1p-4p and Wednesdays 3p-5p  (through Nov. 21, 2007)
Colorado Springs: Mondays 1p-4p; Wednesdays 5p-7p (through Nov. 21, 2007) and Saturday Nov. 3rd from 9a-1p.

If you can’t make it to one of our walk-in flu clinics, please give us a call and we’d be happy to set up an appointment for you between 9am – 5pm, Monday through Friday! We invite you to “Beat the Bug” and get vaccinated!