Adults Need Shots, Too

When considering the topic of immunizations, what springs to mind are those vaccines routinely administered in childhood. The American public has enjoyed a long period of freedom from the crippling infectious diseases that once disabled or killed millions. Thanks to vaccinations – which may be the greatest public health achievement of the past century – few Americans can remember the time when, each year, thousands of children and adults contracted smallpox, diphtheria, poliomyelitis (polio), or measles. Thankfully, most have not ever seen a child paralyzed by polio or brain damaged by measles.

FOH can help. FOH’s Occupational Health Center nurses can provide a variety of immunizations. Health Center nurses can also answer questions and provide information about required and recommended childhood immunizations, as well as recommended immunizations when planning for travel outside the United States.

See below for an overview of the basic immunization schedule:

• Tetanus/diphtheria: Children get the initial 3-shot series beginning in infancy. Adults who are not certain they completed the series in childhood should complete the series, and then get a booster shot every 10 years. In the case of accident such as a cut, scrape, bite, puncture wound, or injury needing stitches, this shot is recommended if it has been more than 5 years since the last shot.
• Influenza (flu): Adults older than 50 should receive a flu shot during winter months every year. Flu shots are also recommended for younger people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney conditions, or have a suppressed immune system (with physician approval).
• Pneumococcal pneumonia: Adults 65 or older should have this vaccine. The shot is also recommended for adults who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart, kidney, or lung problems.

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for some adults, depending on age, gender or health status.

• Hepatitis B: This vaccine protects against a virus that can cause liver damage. This immunization is typically given to people who may come in contact with blood infected with the hepatitis B virus.
• Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR): This vaccine protects against three viral infections, measles, mumps and rubella. Adults born after 1957 should get at least one dose of MMR if they don't have proof of immunity. Women of child bearing years should also have this vaccine to extend protection against rubella (German Measles) to their unborn children.
• Chickenpox (varicella): This vaccine is recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox. The disease can be more serious in adults. If you do not remember having chickenpox, ask your doctor if you should get this vaccine.
• Meningococcal vaccine: This vaccine protects against meningitis, which can be transmitted in areas with crowded living conditions. Recent studies have led the American College Health Association to recommend college freshmen get this shot before they start school. It is also recommended for people who have a weakened immune system or who do not have a spleen.
• Travel-related shots: Travel to some countries requires you to be immunized against other infectious diseases. When making plans to travel overseas, it is important to learn if any special vaccinations are needed for your destinations.