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IMMUNIZATIONS
Immunization (or vaccination) is a safe, effective and simple way to prevent life-threatening illnesses, not only for infants and kids but also for adults. In fact, adults in the United States are at far greater risk of dying from a vaccine-preventable disease than kids. Indeed, immunizations can protect you.
Which immunizations should
you get? That depends on several factors including: age, presence
of certain medical conditions, occupational risks, and in women, pregnancy.
That's why you should talk to your internist about which immunizations
are appropriate.
Here is a list of some of the immunizations your internist might recommend:
1. Influenza (the
flu)
Every year a wave of influenza sweeps the nation. For healthy adults,
it can mean days in bed with a fever and severe cough. However, it
can be life-threatening for people age 50 or older and those with
chronic health conditions. This yearly vaccination can reduce one’s
chances of getting influenza. For those vaccinated individuals who
still contract the illness, it can reduce the severity of the illness
and reduce the chances for complications.
2. Pneumococcal
(pneumonia)
Pneumococcal (i.e., caused the pneumococcal bacteria) infections of
the lungs, bloodstream or brain cause 15,000 deaths each year in the
U.S. However, a pneumococcal immunization can protect against them.
General guidelines on who should receive the vaccine include:
• Age 65 and above and have never had a pneumococcal vaccination
• Age 65 and above and your last pneumococcal vaccination was
more than five years ago
• Any age and you have chronic health conditions such as diabetes
mellitus, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or kidney disease
Ask you internist whether the pneumococcal vaccine is appropriate
for you.
3. Tetanus-Diphtheria
(Td)
Adults need a "Td" booster every 10 years to protect themselves
against these potentially life-threatening infections. Regardless
of prior tetanus and diphtheria immunization, Td immunization should
be reviewed whenever you sustain an acute injury or wound. If you
are not sure if you're due for a booster, check with your internist.
4. Chicken Pox
(varicella)
If you were the only kid on the block who didn't get chicken pox,
you should be the first in line to get immunized against it! A relatively
mild illness in kids, it is usually very serious in adults.
5. Measles, Mumps
& Rubella (MMR)
Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious and can cause serious
illnesses in adults. If you never had these diseases as a child or
were never immunized against them, talk with your internist regarding
your potential need for the MMR vaccination.
6. Hepatitis A
and/or Hepatitis B
Immunizations against these viruses that infect the liver are recommended
for people who are either at risk or in contact with people at risk.
Those who may be at particularly high risk include health care workers,
persons who practice high risk sexual behaviors, patients with chronic
liver disease, intravenous drug users, international travelers, and
household contacts of patients with hepatitis B. Your internist can
determine if you should receive the hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B
vaccine(s).
7. Meningococcal
(meningitis)
Meningococcal disease, especially meningococcal meningitis, is a very
serious infection that has implications not only for the patient who
contracted the disease but also for those in close contact with the
patient. The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for those with certain
rare illnesses and for travelers to select areas of the world where
the infection is common. Additionally, college freshmen, especially
those who will be living in dormitories, may also be at high risk
and should consult with their physicians about the advisability of
vaccination.
The current recommended
adult immunization schedule issued by the United States Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be found at:
Recommended
Adult Immunization Schedule
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR
TRAVEL
If you are planning international travel, be sure to ask your internist
if you need additional immunizations against infectious diseases common
to those areas in which you plan to visit. You may also contact SIU's
Travel Clinic or check the
following websites:
CDC
Travelers' Health
WHO | International travel and
health publication
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Please note that specific medical questions can not be answered via this website.
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Page Last Updated September 12, 2008