VEI Clinic · Vaccination
Adult vaccinations help prevent infections when childhood vaccines were missed or immunity has weakened over time. In addition to flu and shingles vaccines, VEI Clinic offers hepatitis A, hepatitis B, whooping cough and pneumococcal vaccines. For infections such as hepatitis, where you may already be immune, we first check antibodies and plan only the vaccinations you need.
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water. In adults, symptoms can be severe and often require hospitalization. Many adults now in their 20s and 30s did not acquire natural immunity in childhood, so vaccination is recommended. Adults age 40 or older often already have antibodies, so we test first.
The vaccine is given in 2 doses at least 6 months apart. If you have antibodies, you do not need vaccination.
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids and can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. We check your vaccination record, infection status and exposure risk to decide whether you need the vaccine; unvaccinated adults usually get three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
Some people do not develop antibodies even after the full series, so those at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, have their antibodies rechecked after vaccination. People who completed the series in the past are not all revaccinated just because their current antibody level is low, and those who carry hepatitis B or already have antibodies do not need the vaccine.
Whooping cough causes a severe, prolonged cough and can be dangerous for infants. Adults receive Tdap, a vaccine that also protects against tetanus and diphtheria, followed by tetanus and diphtheria boosters every 10 years.
Pneumococcus is a bacterium that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk, including adults age 65 or older, adults with diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, and adults who smoke.
Pneumococcal vaccines include conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines. The order and intervals depend on your age and vaccination history, so we make a plan during your consultation.
An internal medicine specialist reviews your age, underlying conditions and vaccination records to decide which vaccines you need and in what order. Bringing records from the KDCA immunization records website or your vaccination booklet helps us plan more accurately.
Pain or swelling at the injection site and a mild fever can follow vaccination, and a severe allergic reaction is possible in rare cases, so we check your allergy history beforehand and observe you for 20 to 30 minutes afterward. If you become short of breath, notice facial swelling or feel very dizzy after you get home, seek emergency care right away.
Hepatitis antibodies are checked with a blood test. If other aspects of your health need checking, we can include those blood tests at the same time.
FAQ
We first check your vaccination record and infection status. If you have never been vaccinated, you get three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months, and those who need it are retested after vaccination.
Adults age 40 or older often already have antibodies, so testing first is helpful. Adults in their 20s and 30s often lack antibodies and may be vaccinated without prior testing.
Vaccinating family members who will have frequent contact with the baby and those who will care for the baby can reduce the risk of passing the infection to the infant. We recommend vaccination at least 2 weeks before the birth.
Most adult vaccines can be given on the same day at different injection sites. Some vaccine combinations require an interval, so we plan the order during your consultation.
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