Immunizations
Did you know that adults are 100 times more likely to die from vaccine-preventable diseases than kids?
Immunizations are a safe, effective way to prevent life-threatening illnesses: not just for babies and children, but also for adults. Which immunizations should you get? That depends on your age and your general health. Even your lifestyle or profession can make a difference in which immunizations you need. That's why you should talk to your primary care doctor. Your primary care provider may recommend the following vaccinations:
Influenza (flu)
For healthy adults, the annual flu season may mean days in bed with a fever and severe cough. Influenza can be life-threatening for people age 50 or older or those with chronic health conditions. For healthy adults, one vaccination every fall prevents the virus. For high-risk adults, it prevents complications.
Pneumococcal Infections (pneumonia)
Pneumonia infects the lungs, blood-stream or brain and causes 15,000 deaths each year in the United States. A single shot protects against pneumonia. If you're over 65 and your pneumonia vaccination was more than five years ago, ask your primary care provider about a booster.
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Tetanus and Diphtheria are life-threatening infections. Adults need a one-dose “booster” every 10 years.
Chicken Pox (varicella)
If you were the only kid on the block who didn't get chicken pox, you should be the first in line to get immunized against it! A relatively mild illness in kids, it can be very serious in adults.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella
If you never had these diseases as a child and have not been immunized against them, talk with your primary care provider. They are highly contagious and have serious complications for adults. One series of two shots protects you.
Immunizations only for those at risk
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B infect the liver. Immunization against these viruses is recommended for people who are either at risk or in contact with people at risk. Persons at-risk include health care workers, those whose sexual activity puts them at risk, intravenous drug users, international travelers, immigrants, native Americans, and Alaskan natives. Other persons may also be at risk; talk with your primary care provider to determine if you are one of them.
Travel Immunizations
If you are planning international travel, be sure to ask your primary care provider if your destination require immunizations for infectious diseases common to those areas.
