The rush for "back to school" shots is over for this fall. The thousands of students needing immunizations for school entry descend on doctor's offices and health departments beginning in July like bees swarming to their hive. Procrastination is human nature and the important thing is that the kids get their needed immunizations. Illness and death from vaccine–preventable diseases remain at very low levels in the United States, a feat accomplished by aggressive immunization requirements in children and youth.
Two weeks ago, I visited my doctor for an annual checkup. As he reviewed my medical chart, he looked up and said, "You are due for a tetanus shot." I was surprised. It seemed like only yesterday that I had been vaccinated. In fact, it had been almost ten years. How time passes. It was definitely "my turn."
Is it your turn to get immunized too? Trying to keep adults up–to–date with their immunizations is a never–ending task. Perhaps the most glaring problem is with tetanus. Until we leave this world, we need a tetanus booster every ten years. Because this particular vaccine is so effective, it is easy to forget, as I did, that it is time again. If you get regular checkups from your doctor as I do, you will be reminded when the time is right. You will also be offered other needed immunizations. Unfortunately, many adult Americans do not seek routine medical care. Routine care, as recommended by your doctor, is the best way to prevent illness and to detect conditions early to prevent serious illness. Not only that, but it is also the best way to stay up–to–date with the shots we need.
So what vaccines do adults need? Some of them are optional, depending on age and lifestyle, but the list includes:
- Tetanus
- HPV (for females)
- MMR
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza (annual flu shot)
- Pneumococcus
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcus
Not all people need each of the above vaccinations. Although a lot of them are optional, to have the best protection from a variety of disease risks it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting most, if not all, of them.
Click here for a link to the CDC Adult Vaccination page. You can read about each vaccine, see adult immunization recommendations and schedules, and learn about disease risks for different groups. You will also find an adult quiz about immunizations and links to more detailed information.
So take a little time today to read over the material and decide if "it's your turn."