In its 18th consecutive observance, National Adult Immunization Awareness Week emphasizes the need for health-care providers and public health officials to intensify their adult vaccination efforts. This week is typically held in the early fall of every year, before the height of cold and flu season. In addition to the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control recommends all adults be vaccinated against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, meningococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox).
Many adults are unaware of the potential risks of vaccine-preventable disease, the need for booster doses or the availability of new vaccines. So this September, talk to your health care provider or visit your public health department and find out if you're current on your immunization recommendations and get immunized today.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you never outgrow the need for vaccines. The immunizations you need as an adult are based on a variety of factors such as age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against: flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, shingles, pneumococcal, HPV, etc.
- Seasonal influenza (flu) - In general, anyone who is 6 months or older can benefit from the protection of a flu vaccination.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) - for adults up to 64 years, one booster dose
- Shingles - for adults 60 years and older
- Pneumococcal disease - for adults 65 years and older, and adults with specific health conditions
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection - for women 26 years and younger
- Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella.
For the complete list of vaccination schedules for all ages, as well as vaccination recording forms please go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm
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