How to Understand Adult Immunizations

It is common for us to believe that immunizations are only something you have to get as a child. Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, are given to protect people against serious illnesses and diseases. It works by helping the body’s immune system build up a defense against certain illnesses and diseases. Though it is true that most immunizations will be received during childhood, others may be needed to booster immunizations that a person may already have received. It is important for adults to understand the necessity of keeping their immunizations up-to-date.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. All adults, 18 years and older, are still required to maintain up-to-date immunizations. Check with your doctor during yearly physicals to see which immunizations may be needed or when they will be needed.
2. Check to see that the following immunizations were already administered: tetanus and diphtheria (td), MMR (mumps, measles and rubella), polio (IPV), and varicella (chickenpox) unless the person actually had the chickenpox at some point in their life. It is possible that some adults were not immunized against these diseases as children, and should do so now.
3. Booster any previously received immunizations. Some of the immunizations that are given during childhood and as an adult will fade. This will make it necessary to receive a booster shot. The tetanus and diphtheria shot should be boosted every 10 years. Also, immunizations such as the MMR, Hepatitis A and B may need to be given a booster sometime during adulthood. Check with your doctor to see whether you fall into the category for requiring a booster.
4. Aging naturally weakens the immune system. This makes it necessary for adults to receive common immunizations like the flu shot and pneumococcus vaccination for pneumonia.
5. Certain medical conditions (diabetes, pregnancy, AIDS/HIV, etc…) that adults will require up-to-date immunizations. Many of these medical conditions compromise and weaken the immune system or leave the body more susceptible to other illnesses. Also, adults that lead certain lifestyles (drug and alcohol abusers) will need to maintain up-to-date immunizations. So, check with the doctor to see whether any preexisting conditions make it necessary to have certain immunizations.
6. Women, till the age of 26, should receive the Human Papillomarvirus (HPV) vaccine. This can help them protect against cervical cancer.
7. Working in the medical profession makes it necessary to be immunized against diseases. Medical workers come into contact with bodily fluids, and therefore, are required to have Hepatitis A and B vaccinations and periodic boosters. Also, medical workers should have the following immunizations: Hib (haemophilus influenzae), flu shot, meningococcal, pneumococcus, MMR and varicella. Medical workers should also have a yearly screening for Tuberculosis (TB) by having the Mantoux skin test.
8. Members of the military will also receive a number of immunizations that are not required for the general public. Most of these immunizations are to help protect the soldiers from diseases present in other countries and conditions during wartime.
9. Adults traveling to foreign countries will need to check with their doctors to see whether there are any immunizations they should receive before traveling abroad.
10. Keep an accurate record of the immunizations you receive as an adult. This will prevent receiving an immunization before the person is due for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Any reaction to an immunization should be reported to the doctor immediately.