Adult Immunization Questions &
Answers
Are there vaccines that protect against
communicable diseases for adults?
Yes! Immunizations are readily available for such common adult illnesses
as influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease and hepatitis B. Vaccinations
against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), hepatitis A, tetanus
(lockjaw), diphtheria and varicella (chickenpox) are also needed by some
adults. U.S. Public Health Service recommendations clearly identify
people who are at risk for these diseases and who should be immunized to
prevent these diseases and their complications. Consult your healthcare
provider or local health department regarding your own immunization
status and recommendations for immunizations.
Why immunize?
Some of these illnesses, once contracted, do not have a cure, and all
may cause tremendous health problems or even death. Vaccines are some of
the safest medicines available, are very effective, and can relieve
suffering costs related to these preventable diseases for us all.
Should all adults be immunized?
Yes. All adults require tetanus and diphtheria (Td) immunizations
at 10 year intervals throughout the life. Adults who deferred Td
boosters during 2001 and early 2002 because of vaccine shortages should
get back on track ?the supply problems have been resolved. Adults born
after 1956 need to be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. All
adults aged 65 or older, as well as persons aged 2-64 years who have
diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disorders need
protection against pneumococcal disease, and should consult their
healthcare providers regarding their need for this shot. Influenza
vaccination is recommended for adults 50 years of age or older, pregnant
women and residents of long-term care facilities, as well as for persons
older than 6 months of age who have chronic illness and persons 6
months-18 years of age who receive chronic aspirin therapy. High-risk
individuals such as these should be immunized before non-high risk
individuals under the age of 65. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended 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 may not have not received it during
infancy or childhood. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all
susceptible travelers to, for persons working in, countries with
intermediate or high rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and for
those residing in states where the hepatitis A rate exceeds the national
average. Many adults, including teachers of young children and day care
workers, residents and staff in institutional settings, military
personnel, nonpregnant women of childbearing age, international
travelers, healthcare workers and family members of immunocompromised
persons, who have not had chickenpox and have not been immunized
previously against chickenpox should receive varicella vaccine.
Where can I obtain my immunizations?
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, and many pharmacies offer
vaccinations as well.
How often do I need to be immunized?
Immunizations for pneumococcal disease (except for patients at
particular risk for pneumococcal complications), measles, mumps and
rubella are usually administered once, and offer protection 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 addressed by previous vaccines.
Additional booster doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccines (usually
given as a combination Td vaccine) are required every 10 years to
maintain immunity against these diseases. Hepatitis B vaccine is
administered in 3 doses given over a 6-month period. Two doses of
chickenpox vaccine are recommended for people 13 years or older who have
not had the disease. Two doses of hepatitis A are needed 6 to 12 months
apart to ensure long-term protection.
What do these shots cost?
The cost may vary depending on insurance coverage. Check with
your healthcare provider or clinic, and your health insurance for exact
rates. Remember, both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are fully
paid for by Medicare Part B if your healthcare provider accepts the
Medicare-approved payment amount. Medicare Part B also will pay up to
80% of the costs of hepatitis B vaccinations for qualifying individuals.
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. As with any medicine, there are
very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a
vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with the diseases these
vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated
with the vaccines themselves.
What shots do I need if I'm traveling abroad?
Contact your healthcare provider 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 receive all immunizations will depend on whether you need one 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 (CDC) information line for international
travelers toll-free at (877) 394-8747 or visit the CDC Travel Web site
at
http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
Should I carry a personal immunization record?
Definitely yes! A permanent immunization record should be kept by every
adult. It will help you and your healthcare provider ensure that you are
fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. It can also
prevent needless revaccination during a health emergency or when you
change providers. Ask your provider for an immunization record, and be
sure to take it with you to every time you visit so it can be reviewed
by your provider and updated each time you are immunized.
National Coalition for Adult
Immunization
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-5228
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