Adult Immunizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there vaccines that protect adults against communicable
diseases?
Yes. Immunizations are available that protect adults against:
- Diphtheria.
- Hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis B.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Influenza (flu).
- Measles.
- Mumps.
- Pertussis (whooping cough).
- Pneumococcal disease.
- Rubella (German measles).
- Shingles (herpes zoster).
- Tetanus (lockjaw).
- Varicella (chickenpox).
Consult your health care provider or
local health department to find out
which immunizations are recommended for you.
Why are immunizations important?
Some of these illnesses do not have a cure and all may cause serious health
problems or even death. Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. They
are very effective and can prevent the suffering and costs associated with these
preventable diseases.
Which vaccinations do adults need?
- Tdap/Td:
- All adults need a tetanus and diphtheria (Td)
booster shot every 10 years. Additionally, adults aged <65 years should
substitute a
tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination
for one Td booster.
- MMR:
- Adults born after 1956 who are not immune to measles, mumps,
or
rubella should be immunized.
- HPV:
- Women aged 26 years or younger should be immunized against human
papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer.
- Pneumococcal:
- 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.
- Influenza (flu):
- Flu vaccination is recommended for all adults aged 50 years or older,
women who will be pregnant during flu season (October-March), and residents
of long-term care facilities. Other adults who should seek a yearly flu
vaccine include health care workers and those who live with high-risk
persons, including those who live with or who provide care for children <6
months of age.
- Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for
adults in certain high-risk groups, such as:
- Health care workers and public safety workers exposed to blood on the
job.
- Household and sexual contacts of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus
(HBV) infection.
- Sexually active people who are not in long-term, mutually monogamous
relationships.
- People seeking evaluation or treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Injection drug users.
- Travelers to countries where HBV infection is common.
- People with end-stage renal disease.
- HIV-infected persons.
Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for anyone seeking protection
from hepatitis B.
To increase vaccination rates among people at highest risk for HBV
infection, hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults in the
following settings:
- STD treatment facilities.
- HIV testing and treatment facilities.
- Facilities providing drug abuse treatment and prevention services.
- Health care settings targeting services to injection drug users or men
who have sex with men.
- Correctional facilities.
- End-stage renal disease programs and facilities for chronic hemodialysis
patients.
- Institutions and non-residential child care facilities for persons with
developmental disabilities.
- Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for adults in certain high risk
groups, including:
- Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common.
- People with chronic liver disease.
- People who have clotting-factor disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Men who have sex with men.
- Users of injection and non-injection illegal drugs.
- Varicella (chickenpox):
Varicella vaccine is recommended for all adults, including:
- Teachers of young children and child care workers.
- Residents and staff in institutional settings.
- Military personnel.
- Non-pregnant women of childbearing age.
- International travelers.
- Health care workers.
- Family members of immunocompromised persons who have not had chickenpox
and have not been vaccinated against chickenpox.
- Meningococcal:
Meningococcal vaccine is recommended
for:
- Adults who do not have a spleen.
- Adults who have terminal complement component deficiencies (immune
system disorder).
- First year college students living in dormitories.
- Military recruits.
- Certain laboratory workers.
- Persons who travel to or live in countries in which meningococcal
disease is common.
- Herpes Zoster (shingles):
- Adults aged 60 years and older should receive one dose of
herpes zoster vaccine
whether or not they have had shingles. Persons with chronic medical
conditions may be vaccinated unless a contraindication or precaution exists
for their condition.
Where can I get my immunizations?
Your doctor, nurse, or clinic may carry immunizations. Additionally, your
local health department or local hospital may administer influenza,
pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Many pharmacies offer these
and other immunizations. Clinics may also be available in shopping malls,
grocery stores, senior centers, and other community settings.
What do these vaccines cost?
Out-of-pocket immunization costs may vary depending on your insurance
coverage. Check with your doctor or clinic and your health insurance plan to
determine your costs. For Medicare beneficiaries, both influenza and
pneumococcal vaccinations are paid for by Medicare Part B if your health care
provider accepts the Medicare-approved payment. Shingles vaccine is covered
under Medicare Part D.
Are there side effects to these immunizations?
Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. Some common side effects
are a sore arm or low-grade fever. As with any medicine, there is a very small
risk that a serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the
potential risks from the diseases vaccines prevent are much greater than the
potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves.
What vaccines do I need if I’m traveling abroad?
Contact your doctor or your
local health department as early as possible to
find out which immunizations you may need. Vaccines against certain diseases,
such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, and typhoid fever, are
recommended for different countries. The time required to receive all
immunizations will depend on whether you need one shot or a series of shots. You
can also call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information
line for international travelers at 1-877-394-8747 or visit the
Travelers' Health Web site for up-to-date information on immunization
recommendations for international travelers.
Should I have a personal immunization record?
Yes. A permanent immunization record should be kept by every adult. It will
help you and your doctor ensure that you are fully protected. It can also
prevent revaccination during a health emergency or when you change doctors. Ask
your doctor for an immunization record, and be sure to take it with you every
time you visit your doctor so that it can be reviewed and updated.
Last Update:
10/12/2009 04:15 PM
