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Adult Vaccinations

There are a few reasons why adults may still need vaccination/immunization:

  • Some adults were never vaccinated as children / incorrectly vaccinated
  • Newer vaccines are now available but were not available when they were a child
  • Immunity can fade or dissappear over time
  • As adults get older, some may easily become more susceptible to diseases caused by common infections like flu or pneumococcus

Below is a chart to determine how often and when you should get vaccination or immunization. Depending on every adults’ circumstances, adults often need more of these shots than they suspect.

RECOMMENDED VACCINE HOW OFTEN GET IT IF YOU… AVOID IT IF YOU ARE…
INFLUENZA

Protects against the flu, which can be fatal, especially in the elderly

 Every year in March or April.
  • Are age 65 or older, or if you have certain chronic medical problems, live in a nursing home or care for someone who is chronically ill.
  • Are a healthy pregnant woman who will be in your second or third trimester during flu season (May to July).
  • Are a health-care worker who contact will chronically ill people.
  • Severely allergic to eggs.
PNEUMOCOCCAL (PPV)

Guards against pneumonia and blood infections caused by Pneumococcus bacteria.

 Once, with a booster five years later if you have a chronic illness, or were 65 or over at your first shot.
  • Are age 65 or older.
  • Suffer from a chronic illness or alcoholism, regardless of your age.
  • Have lost your spleen or are immunocompromised for other reasons, regardless of your age.
HEPATITIS B (HEP-B)

Prevents an infection that can cause liver failure.

 Three shots over a 6-18 month period.
  • Are an unvaccinated adolescent; have had a sexually transmitted disease and/or multiple sexual partners; use illicit injectable drugs; or are a firefighter, police officer, health-care worker or a worker with the developmentally disabled.
  • Plan to travel internationally to countries where the disease is prevalent.
HEPATITIS A (HEP-A)

Shields against liver inflammation caused by a virus.

 Two doses, 6-18 month apart.
  • Plan to travel outside New Zealand and Australia, except to northern and western Europe, the United States, Canada or Japan.
  • Have chronic liver disease, use illicit injectable drugs or work as a food handler.
  • Severely allergic to yeast (this is rare).
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA (TD)

Prevents lockjaw and an infection of the throat that can damage the heart and lungs.

 After a primary series of three shots (usually in childhood), boosters every 10 years.
  • Haven’t had one within the past 10 years.
  • Pregnant, since safety during pregnancy has not been determined.
MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR)

Prevents three contagious viral infections that may cause birth defects or death.

 Two doses separated by at least one month (usually given during childhood at 12 months of age).
  • Are an adult born after 1956 and are uncertain whether you were vaccinated.
  • Belong to a high-risk group, including health-care workers, students entering college and international travelers.
  • Severely allergic to eggs.
  • Pregnant or may become pregnant within three months.
  • Have an immune disorder other than HIV infection.
VARICELLA

Protects against chickenpox.

 Adult: Two doses at least six weeks apart.

Child: 12 months to 12 years: one dose.
  • Have never had chickenpox, especially if you frequently come in close contact with very young children or anyone seriously ill.
  • Plan to travel internationally.
  • Pregnant or may become pregnant within one months.
  • Are immunocompromised.
POLIO

Prevents an infection that can lead to paralysis.

 One dose once in adulthood, if it was not given during childhood.
  • Are traveling to the developing countries of Africa (all regions), Asia (East and Southeast), the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent or most of the former Soviet Union.

Source: Adapted from recommendations of the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Canberra, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Adult Vaccination

Adult Vaccination

An Adult Immunization Schedule/Chart (US) can be downloaded here:

This article is filed under Drugs And Medications.



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