Maintaining Health With Vaccinations
Oral health professionals are exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted to and from clinicians and patients. Fortunately, there are myriad strategies to maintain a safe environment—from effective surface disinfection to donning personal protective equipment. Vaccinations are another essential component to maintaining health for both clinicians and the public at large. Unfortunately, the United States is experiencing a downturn in compliance with vaccination recommendations, putting public health at risk.
When was the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a federal advisory committee that provides expert advice to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services on the use of vaccines in the US, created?

The recommended immunization schedule for adults includes vaccines targeting how many vaccine-preventable diseases?

The CDC uses a “Do Not Board” list to prevent travelers from boarding commercial airplanes if they are known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to public health.

Though there are no US federal vaccination laws, all 50 states have regulations requiring children attending public school to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (generally in a DTaP vaccine); polio; measles and rubella (generally in a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine); and varicella (chickenpox).

The vaccine for whooping cough, or pertussis, comes only in a whole-cell vaccine form.

Teens or adults who did not receive a booster acellular pertussis (Tdap) as a preteen should get one dose.

Clinicians who travel and practice outside of their local area need to stay informed about what is happening at a community level.

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