Vaccination services are provided regularly at Family Medicine Clinic.
Vaccination items:
- Flu shot (influenza vaccine): for adults
- COVID-19 vaccine: for adults
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
- Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
- Varicella vaccine
- Zoster vaccine
Location:
Family Medicine Clinic, 3F, 1st Outpatient Building
Click here for the Hospital Map
Schedule:
8:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00, weekdays (except public holidays)
[Note] Government-funded flu shots usually started in October every year.
Click here to Make an Appointment
Click "Register for Return Visit" if you have ever visited TVGH; click "Register for First Visit" if you have never visited TVGH). Then click on "Family Medicine Clinic".
Fee:
- Government-funded: Flu shot (influenza vaccine), COVID-19 vaccine.
[Note] Government-funded vaccines are only provided for people with a Taiwan National Health Insurance Card or a residence permit. - Self-paid: all except COVID-19 vaccine
[Note] Self-paid vaccine are available for people with or without a Taiwan National Health Insurance Card or a residence permit.
Flu Shot / Influenza Vaccine
◎Introduction
The transmission route of influenza is mainly through the droplets produced by an infected person coughing or sneezing to spread the virus, especially in confined spaces. It can spread rapidly in crowded places, and it is also easy to accelerate the spread of the disease along with tourism, economic, trade, and social activities.
The main symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, cough, etc. Most patients will recover on their own, and a few patients may have serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis or pericarditis, and other secondary infections. High-risk groups include the elderly, infants, and patients with chronic diseases such as heart, lung, kidney, liver, and metabolic diseases, or those with immunocompromise.
The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine on time.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
Those who are known to be allergic to the components of the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
Those who have had serious adverse reactions to injections in the past should not be vaccinated.
Hepatitis A (HAV) vaccine
◎Introduction
Hepatitis A is more common in areas with poor sanitation. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person. The incubation period is about 2 to 6 weeks. Symptoms include fatigue, anorexia, fever, jaundice, dark urine, and upper abdominal pain. Many people have only mild or no symptoms, and most recover naturally and then develop antibodies. Only a very small number of cases can cause fulminant hepatitis, which may be fatal. The case-fatality rate of hepatitis A is about 3/1000.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent HAV infection. Hepatitis A vaccines are inactivated vaccines. About 95% of people can produce protective antibodies after 1 dose of vaccination, and the protection could be provided for more than 20 years after 2 doses of vaccination.
◎Suggestions for self-paid vaccinations
People at high risk who do not have hepatitis A antibodies or have not received hepatitis A vaccines are recommended to complete 2 doses of vaccination to prevent possible infection.
High-risk people:
- International travelers or workers to countries where hepatitis A infection is common
- People who have occupational risk for infection, such as
- chefs and catering food workers
- medical care workers
- baby care workers
- People with specific conditions, such as
- chronic diseases (including hemophilia)
- post liver transplantation
- men who have sexual contact with other men
- use injection or non-injection drugs
◎Dosing & route
Two doses. First dose at 0 month; second dose 6 months (up to 12 months) after the first dose.
Administered via intramuscular (IM) route.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
People who have previously received this vaccine or had a severe allergic reaction to any component of this vaccine, should not be vaccinated.
◎Possible reactions after vaccination
Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, slight fever, and fatigue may occur, which usually recover within 2-3 days.
Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine
◎Introduction
When the liver is infected by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, or is injured by alcoholism, drugs or chemical substances, inflammatory reactions such as liver cell deterioration, necrosis, and white blood cell infiltration would occur in the liver tissue and cause hepatitis. Hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is called "hepatitis B".
Hepatitis B infection occurs when blood or body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus enter the body through the skin or mucous membranes like blood transfusions, injections, hemodialysis, acupuncture, tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, ear piercing, sharing toothbrushes or razors, and sexual behavior. The vaginal secretion, saliva, and semen of the carriers may carry the hepatitis B virus. It usually does not cause infection except when the virus concentration is high.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine containing purified hepatitis B surface antigen. After vaccination, the human body will produce hepatitis B surface antibodies to prevent hepatitis B virus infection.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
People who have previously received this vaccine or had a severe allergic reaction to any component of this vaccine, should not be vaccinated.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
◎Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that infects the epidermis and mucous membranes of the human body. There are more than 200 types, which can be divided into low-risk types and high-risk types. HPV 16 and 18 are the most common high-risk types of HPV, which significantly increase the risk of cervical precancerous lesions, cervical cancer, and external genital cancers in men and women. More than 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV 16 and 18. HPV 6 and 11 are the most common low-risk types of HPV. Infection of HPV 6 and 11 may cause genital warts, but the chance of getting cancer is relatively small.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus vaccines can prevent 60-90% of HPV infections. There are three types of vaccines – bivalent, quadrivalent, and nine-valent.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
Those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not be vaccinated.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
◎Introduction
Measles: It is an acute, highly contagious viral disease, usually transmitted through droplets. It takes about 7-18 days from infection to rash. Prodromal symptoms include high fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis. Kopik's spots can be found on the buccal mucosa of the oral cavity, and then the rash appears on the cheeks and behind the ears, and then spreads to the limbs and the whole body. In severe cases, otitis media, pneumonia, or encephalitis may occur concurrently, resulting in deafness, mental retardation, or even death.
Mumps: It is a viral disease transmitted by droplets. It invades the salivary glands, especially the subauricular glands. Patients may experience fevers, headache, and swelling of the subauricular glands. Some may cause meningitis, encephalitis, or hearing loss.
Rubella: It is a viral disease transmitted by droplets which may cause symptoms such as mild fever, nasopharyngitis, swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, and skin rash. The rash lasts for about 3 days. In severe cases, arthritis, neuritis, thrombocytopenia, and encephalitis may occur concurrently.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
MMR vaccine is an active attenuated vaccine used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. The preventive effect can reach more than 95% on average, and long-term immunity can be obtained.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
People who are known to have severe allergies to vaccine ingredients, pregnant women, and people with known severe immunodeficiency, should not be vaccinated.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
1. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
◎Introduction
Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacteria with more than 90 serotypes, which can cause severe pneumonia (such as empyema, lung necrosis, etc.), bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis, and even lead to death. Invasive Streptococcus pneumonia infection mainly occurs in children under 5 years old and elderly people over 65 years old.
Vaccinations are suggested for these high-risk groups: those who are immunocompromised, have artificial ear implants, chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, lack of a spleen, long-term use of steroids or chemotherapy, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) is a fairly safe inactivated vaccine containing 13 serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F). Few people may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site after vaccination, which would generally recover within 2 days. Severe side effects such as fever and fatigue rarely occur. If you have a persistent fever or severe allergic reactions after vaccination, such as dyspnea, wheezing, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for further treatment.
2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23)
◎Introduction
Streptococcus pneumonia is Gram-positive. The capsular polysaccharide on the surface of bacteria are related to virulence, and a total of 90 serotypes have been identified so far. This germ often lurks in the nasal cavity and can spread through droplets. Once weakened immunity, the rapidly replicating Streptococcus pneumonia can invade the respiratory tract or blood and cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, etc. It is also the most common cause of otitis media and sinusitis in young children.
Vaccinations are suggested for these high-risk groups: (1) children under the age of 5, (2) elderly people aged 65 or over, (3) spleen defect or splenectomy, (4) congenital or acquired Immune insufficiency (including HIV-infected patients), (5) patients with artificial ear implants, (6) chronic diseases: chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis, alcohol addicts, smokers, etc., (7) cerebrospinal fluid leaks, (8) malignant tumors or organ transplants receiving immunosuppressants or radiation therapy.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is an inactivated vaccine containing 23 serotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, 33F), suitable for general adults and children over two years old.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of this type of vaccine should not be vaccinated.
◎Possible reactions after vaccination
Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site may occur, which usually recover within 2 days. Severe side effects such as fever and fatigue rarely occur. After vaccination, you should observe at the vaccination unit for at least 30 minutes, and leave after you feel well.
If you have a persistent fever or severe allergic reactions after vaccination, such as dyspnea, wheezing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or other symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
◎Introduction
Tetanus, T: Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. It causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.
Diphtheria, d: Diphtheria spreads from person to person. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.
Pertussis, ap: Pertussis spreads from person to person. It can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Pertussis can be extremely serious especially in babies and young children, causing pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage, or death. In teens and adults, it can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out, and rib fractures from severe coughing.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Tdap vaccine can prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It can also reduce the chances of pertussis infecting young children and causing serious complications.
◎Suggestions for self-paid vaccinations
Pregnant people should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester, to help protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap.
Also, adults should receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td (a different vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis) every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
Tdap may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
◎Possible reactions after vaccination
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache sometimes happen after the Tdap vaccination.
Varicella Vaccine
◎Introduction
Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus and tends to occur in young children. It will cause rashes, blisters, itching, fever, and fatigue, and may be complicated by severe skin infection, scar, pneumonia, encephalitis or death. It may also cause shingles due to reactivation of the virus. It is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through droplets or contact with vesicles of chickenpox.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Varicella vaccine is an active attenuated vaccine that can effectively prevent severe symptoms of chickenpox. If chickenpox is infected after vaccination, the symptoms will be milder with less blisters and fever.
◎Suggestions for self-paid vaccinations
People over 13 years old who have not been vaccinated and have not had chickenpox, are recommended to receive two doses of varicella vaccine.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
Those who have previously received this vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of this vaccine should not be vaccinated.
People with known severe immunodeficiency and pregnant women should not be vaccinated.
◎Possible reactions after vaccination
There may be local reactions such as redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
Mild fever, and occasionally high fever and convulsions may be present.
Chickenpox-like blisters may appear 5-26 days after vaccination.
Zoster Vaccine
◎Introduction
Herpes zoster is a manifestation of reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes varicella upon initial infection, after which the virus remains dormant in the dorsal root ganglia or brain sensory ganglia until reactivation causes shingles. Herpes zoster is generally characterized by a unilateral, painful, vesicular rash distributed along the dermatomes.
◎Knowledge about vaccines
Herpes zoster vaccine is an active attenuated vaccine that can improve the specific immunity of varicella-zoster virus and prevent herpes zoster and its complications in adults.
◎Suggestions for self-paid vaccinations
People over 50 years old who have never been vaccinated against herpes zoster, regardless of whether they have a history of chickenpox or herpes zoster, are recommended to receive an active attenuated herpes zoster vaccine.
◎Contraindications for vaccination
Those who have previously received this vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of this vaccine should not be vaccinated.
People with known severe immunodeficiency and pregnant women should not be vaccinated.
◎Possible reactions after vaccination
There may be local reactions such as redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
Headache or arm or leg pain may occur.
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