Adult Immunizations
Frequently Asked Questions
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 immunizations at 10 year
intervals throughout their life; because of vaccine supply shortages
during 2001 non-high risk adults are encouraged to postpone scheduled
boosters until 2002. 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. Because of influenza vaccine supply delays during 2001, 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, or for persons working in, countries with intermediate
or high rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. 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.
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.
These questions and answers are provided by:
National Coalition for Adult Immunization
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814-5228
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