by Gregory A. Poland, MD, FACP
Q. What vaccines are available to protect adults?
A. 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, diphtheria, and chickenpox are also needed by some adults. Public Health Service recommendations identify people at risk who need these shots.
Q. Should all adults be immunized?
A. Yes. As a general rule, all adults require measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria immunizations. All adults age 65 and older and those with diabetes and chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders need protection against influenza and pneumococcal disease. Hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for adults in certain high-risk groups, such as health care workers and persons with multiple sex partners. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended mainly for travelers visiting developing countries where hepatitis A is common and clean water and proper sewage disposal are not available; for adults who have chronic liver disease or clotting-factor disorders; those who use illegal drugs; and for men who have sex with men. Adults who have not had chickenpox should consider getting tested to see if they are immune, and if not to get the vaccine.
Q. How often do I need to be immunized?
A. Immunizations for pneumococcal disease (except for patients at particular risk for pneumococcal complications), 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. Flu vaccine must be administered yearly due to new strains of virus which are not contained in previous vaccines. After age 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 given over a six-month period. Two doses of chickenpox vaccine are recommended for persons 13 years and older who have not had the disease. Two doses of hepatitis A are needed 6 to 12 months apart to ensure long-term protection.
Q. Where can I obtain my immunizations?
A. Consult your health care provider or local health department for a list of doctors who administer these shots. Your city or county health department or local hospital may hold clinics to administer these vaccines.
Q. What do these shots cost?
A. The cost may vary depending on insurance coverage. Check with your health care provider or clinic and your health insurance for exact rates. Remember, both the influenza and pneumococcal shots are paid for by Medicare Part B.
Q. Are there side effects to these immunizations?
A. Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. Some common side effects are a mildly sore arm or low fever. As with any medicine, there are very rare risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the risks from the diseases are much greater than the risks from the vaccines.
Q. What shots do I need if I'm traveling abroad?
A. Contact your health care provider or health department as early as possible to check on the immunizations you may need. The time required to complete them will depend on whether you need one dose or a vaccine series. Several books provide information on the specific vaccines required by different countries and general health measures for travelers. Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travelers information line at (404) 332-4559.
Q. Should I carry a personal immunization record?
A. Yes! A permanent record should be kept by every adult. It will help you and your health care provider ensure your protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. It can also prevent needless revaccination during a health emergency or when you change providers. Ask your provider for this record. Be sure to take it with you to his/her office so it can be updated each time you receive a shot.
Q. Where can I get additional information?
A.
National Coalition for Adult Immunization
4733 Bethesda Avenue Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-5228
1-301-656-0003
Fax 1-301-907-0878
Email: adultimm@aol.com
Website: http://www.medscape.com/NCAI
CDC National Immunization Information Hotline
1-800-232-2522(English Service)
1-800-232-0233 (Spanish Service)
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm Eastern Time
National Institute on Aging
Tel: 800-222-2225
PO Box 8057
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057
1-800-222-4225 (TTY)
Website: http://www.nih.gov/nia |
