Friday, April 29, 2011

Be protected from hepatitis A or hepatitis B infection



What is TWINRIX?
TWINRIX is a vaccine for adults 18 years of age or older. It is injected into your upper arm muscle. It is used to help protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B infections, which can affect the liver. TWINRIX may not fully protect everyone who receives the vaccine, especially those with immune system disorders. TWINRIX is not used for the “treatment” of hepatitis A or hepatitis B.
Who should get TWINRIX?
There are many things that could put you at risk for either hepatitis A or hepatitis B. You should talk to a healthcare provider to find out more.
How does TWINRIX work?
TWINRIX works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) that prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus infection. The vaccine cannot give you a hepatitis A or hepatitis B infection.
What are the benefits of using TWINRIX?
TWINRIX provides protection against two of the most common forms of hepatitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, through a single vaccine series. You can get separate shots for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but that would mean a total of 5 shots in 4 visits to a healthcare provider. With the standard schedule for TWINRIX, you only need 3 shots in 3 visits to Passport Health

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Travel Alert! Malaria


Each year, more than 250 million cases of malaria are reported worldwide, killing between one and 3 million people. 90% of malaria-related deaths take place in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Torres Strait Islands (Australia) 5 cases have been reported recently. In Mumbai India 137 cases have been reported since April 2010 to present. In Andhra Pradesh India 2 deaths have been reported this year and 311 cases were reported in February alone. In the city of Quillabamba, Peru 9 cases have been recently reported. Rizal Philippines is usually considered a low risk area, however about 200 cases and 2 deaths were reported in 2010. In South Africa 2 deaths were reported in Limpopo Province recently. In Sri Lanka there have been 580 cases reported in the last year; spread of the disease has increased by 25%. In Swaziland over 20 cases have been reported so far this year. Tropical malaria manifests with flu-like symptoms and high fever. It is recommended to use prophylactic anti-malarial medications as well as mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on outer clothing, mosquito netting and bedding.
Call Passport Health today for an appointment 1-800-741-0504 www.passporthealthnj.com

Monday, April 25, 2011

Meningitis Vaccine for School


New Jersey requires meningitis vaccination for all first-time four-year college and university students living on campus.
All first-time college and university students who are living on campus must be vaccinated against meningitis.
Passport Health Offices in Lawrenceville, Morristown, East Brunswick and Shrewsbury, New Jersey have the vaccine available to New Jersey residents through a federally funded program for a total cost of $40.00
Call for your appointment today. 1-800-741-0504
www.passporthealthnj.com