Adult Vaccines Your second shot at avoiding major health problems
If you think routine immunizations are reserved for children and jetsetters, you’re mistaken: Vaccines are as important for adults as they are for kids and those traveling to distant lands. “Only in the last 20 to 25 years has there been an emphasis on adult immunization,” says Gregory Poland, M.D., director of the Mayo Vaccine Research Group at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. “The reality is that 50,000 to 70,000 adults die each year of diseases that are preventable by vaccine—pneumococcus, the flu and hepatitis B, for example.”
This happens because as you age, your immunity to some diseases fades; meanwhile, you may naturally become more susceptible to other serious diseases and their complications.
By following the latest immunization guidelines for adults, you can help protect yourself from all kinds of nasty diseases.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
What it is: This vaccine protects against hep B liver disease, which can be sexually transmitted or spread through exposure to the blood of an infected person.
Who should get it? If you have another sexually transmitted disease, or if you are not in a monogamous relationship, you should have this series of three shots. “The 20 to 49 age group is the only one in which the incidence of hepatitis B continues to increase,” notes Dr. Poland.
Tdap Vaccine
What it is: A vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). “We’ve had epidemics of pertussis in adults in recent years,” Dr. Poland notes.
Who should get it: Even if you were immunized for these three diseases as a child, you should get a Tdap shot—no exceptions.
Flu Vaccine
What it is: An annual inoculation that helps protect against each year’s expected strains of influenza. Available as an injection for all ages or as a nasal spray for those under 50.
Who should get it: For adults, the CDC recommends those 50 and older get a flu shot each year. Pregnant women, as well as adults with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, or anemia, should also get the vaccine.
Herpes Zoster Vaccine
What it is: A one-time vaccine that protects against shingles, which usually occurs after age 40 and is caused by the chickenpox virus.
Who should get it: Adults over 60 should get this vaccine; the disorder is more common in this age group.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
What it is: This one-time shot protects against the bacteria that are the leading causes of pneumonia.
Who should get it: Adults 65 and older should get this vaccine, as should all adults who are immuno-compromised or have a chronic health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell disease.
Source: Stacey Colino |
