Why immunize?
Why take the chance of dying from, or being hospitalized for, a preventable
disease? We all risk contracting diseases for which there is no cure,
so why not take advantage of the precautions that are currently available
for a number of common illnesses?
Are there vaccines that protect against preventable
diseases for adults?
Yes! Immunizations are readily available for such common adult illnesses
as influenza (flu), pneumococcal pneumonia and hepatitis B. Vaccinations
against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), hepatitis A, tetanus,
diphtheria, and varicella (chickenpox) are also needed by some adults.
US Public Health Service recommendations clearly identify people at risk
who need these shots. Consult your doctor or local health department regarding
your immunization status and recommendations.
How often do I need to be immunized?
Immunizations for pneumococcal pneumonia (except for patients at particular
risk for pneumococcal disorders), measles, mumps, and rubella usually
are administered once, and may protect you for life. Some persons born
after 1956 may require a second measles vaccination. Influenza vaccine
must be administered yearly due to the appearance of new strains of virus
which are not contained in previous vaccines. After the age of seven,
immunization for tetanus and diphtheria (Td vaccine) must be supplemented
with a "booster shot" every 10 years. Hepatitis B vaccine is administered
in three doses. Two doses of chickenpox vaccine are recommended for people
13 years and older who have not had the disease. Presently, no boosters
are routinely recommended for hepatitis B and chickenpox. A booster of
the hepatitis A vaccine is given 6 to 12 months after the initial dose
to prolong protection past one year.
Should all adults be immunized?
Yes. As a general rule, all adults require measles, mumps, rubella,
tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations. All adults age 65 and older, and
those with chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic disorders (for
example, diabetes) need protection against influenza and pneumococcal
pneumonia, and should consult their doctors regarding their need for these
shots. Hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for adults in certain high-risk
groups, such as healthcare workers and persons with multiple sex partners.
Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for all adolescents who have not
received it as infants. Hepatitis A is recommended mainly for travelers
visiting developing countries where hepatitis A is common and where clean
water and proper sewage disposal are not available, and for men who have
sex with men.
Where can I obtain my immunizations?
Consult your healthcare provider or local health department for a list
of doctors who administer these shots. Immunizations should be available
from family doctors and internists. Additionally, your city or county
health department or local hospital may hold clinics to administer these
vaccines.
What do these shots cost?
The costs may vary depending on insurance coverage. Check with your
doctor or clinic and your health insurance for exact rates. Remember,
both the influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia shots are paid for by Medicare.
Are there side effects to these immunizations?
Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. Some common side
effects are a sore arm or low fever. Although other more serious reactions
may occur on rare occasions, the benefits from immunizations far outweigh
the risks and problems associated with natural infections.
What shots do I need if I'm traveling abroad?
Contact your doctor or the public health department as early as possible
to check on the immunizations you may need. Vaccines against certain diseases
such as hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid fever are recommended for
different countries. The time required to complete the immunizations will
depend on whether you need one booster dose or a vaccine series. There
are several books available which provide information on specific vaccines
required by different countries and general health measures for travelers.
You may also call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information
line for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.
Should I carry a personal immunization record?
Definitely yes! A permanent personal immunization record should be kept
by every adult. It will help you and your doctor to ensure your protection
against vaccine-preventable diseases. It can also prevent needless revaccination
during a health emergency or when you change doctors. Ask your doctor
for an immunization record. Be sure to take it with you to the doctor's
office so it can be updated every time you receive a shot.
SOURCE:
National Coalition for Adult Immunization
4733 Bethesda Avenue
Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-5228
Click here to go to the National
Coalition for Adult Immunization's Web Site
