Aren’t shots just for kids?-- Why do I need to be Immunized?
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Because:
- 10,000 to 40,000 adults die each year from influenza (flu) related illnesses.
- Hepatitis B infects 150,000 people each year.
- Adults who contract chickenpox are 25 more likely to die from it than children.
What do these have in common? All of these deaths and illnesses could have been prevented by simple immunizations. Like children, adults need regular immunizations to avoid illness and stay healthy. As many as 80,000 adults die each year from these vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sometimes immunizations are needed to boost protection that may be wearing off, or to make up for immunizations not given during childhood. Some other adults will need vaccines because of school requirements, their jobs, travel plans, or health problems. And it’s especially important for women of childbearing age: Some of these diseases can cause severe birth defects or fetal death, if contracted when pregnant. (Once you are pregnant it may not be safe to be vaccinated).
Adult Immunizations strongly recommended:
Influenza- every year in the fall.
Tetanus-Diphtheria – All adults should receive boosters every 5 to 10 years
Recommended for Specific Populations:
Hepatitis A- 2 shots over 6 months for adults with chronic liver disease, planning international travel.
Varicella- (chicken pox) 2 shots over 1-2 months for all adults without evidence of previous varicella infection
Recommendations/Required for college students:
Hepatitis B- Series of three shots over 6 months (required for students 18 and under) and strongly recommended for health care workers, use of injection drugs, persons with multiple partners, etc.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)- (required to show proof of 1 shot since 15 months)
Meningitis- A single shot providing protection over 3 to 5 years. (not required but STRONGLY recommended).
Knowing the facts about vaccine preventable diseases, and getting properly immunized against them is an important part of adult health. Always remember to keep good records of what vaccines you have received and when you received them. If you have any questions regarding immunizations or these vaccine preventable diseases call the Student Health Center at 661-664-2394 or stop by and pick up some literature on them. Others references are: Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Immunization Program at 800-CDC-SHOT or online at www.cdc.gov/nip.