Meningococcal Disease Information 

Meningococcal disease is a rare disease caused by a bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis. It can affect the blood, several organs, and  the thin layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, vomiting, rash and confusion. Symptoms worsen over a few hours or one to two days, and can be fatal. The disease is spread by contact with saliva, phlegm, or other fluids from the nose or mouth of the infected person. People who have kissed, shared eating utensils or other objects put in the mouth or nose, or lived in the same household with the sick person are at the highest risk of being exposed and getting the disease.  It is NOT spread from casual contact like touching a door knob or being in the same room as a sick person. Learn more

 

 

 

2012 Assembly Bill 354: The 7th Grade California Tdap Immunization Law

For the 2012-13 school year, and all future school years, all students entering into 7th grade will need to show proof of a Tdap booster shot by the start of school each fall. Contact your child's doctor now to find out if your child has already been vaccinated with Tdap; if so, obtain a record of the Tdap shot and bring it to school. If not, set up an appointment to get vaccinated with Tdap. For additional information and resources on the Tdap law, click here.

Promoting Healthier International Travel

Many travelers head overseas without the protection of effective vaccines or medications to prevent common, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases such as malaria and viral hepatitis. The San Francisco Department of Public Health is sponsoring a local public awareness campaign to encourage international travelers to visit a travel medicine specialist prior to departure.  Read more ...

If your health system does not offer a travel medicine specialist, the AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic is open to the public.

Low-Cost Shingles, HPV, and Chickenpox Vaccines

Attention all those looking for low-cost Shingles (Zoster), HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccines!

The AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic is working with the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program to provide these vaccines for a fee of just $35 per vaccine, to those who lack health insurance and qualify based on income. Most Healthy San Francisco members qualify.  More information ...