Grownups need vaccines too
If you think vaccinations and the accompanying lollipops are just for children, think again. Immunity can begin to fade over time, making some of the vaccinations you received as a child ineffective. Plus, there are new vaccines that weren't available when you were little.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone over age 19 should have a booster dose of tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years. Healthcare workers or individuals over age 49 need an influenza (flu) vaccine each year. And, everyone age 65 or older needs a pneumococcal vaccine.
You might also need the following CDC recommendations.
Get a Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine: If you never had chicken pox and work where exposure is likely such as in schools or day-care centers.
Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B (HBV): If you are at risk.
Get the Meningococcal vaccine: If you are at high risk such as students living in group situations.
Get a Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine if you were born after 1957, had only one dose of vaccine and:
* Have been recently exposed to measles
* Were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967
* Attend a college or university
* Work in health care
* Plan international travel to high risk areas
Planning a South African safari?
Another reason adults might need a vaccine is international travel. The type of vaccine depends on where you go, what you plan to do and how long you stay.
If you visit a developed country such as Australia or England, the risk of exposure to serious diseases is generally no greater than it is in the United States. On the other hand, the risk in developing countries such as most parts of Africa and Asia can be higher. That's why it may be advisable to be vaccinated. Also, in order to be allowed to visit some countries, you need proof that you have been immunized against certain diseases such as yellow fever. For information on a specific destination, check the CDC web site.
Where you visit during the trip may also increase your risk. For example, you may be at higher risk if you explore rural areas. Plus, the longer the visit, the longer you are exposed to any diseases.
"People are surprised to learn that their health insurance does not typically pay for the cost of these injections, and their primary care physician does not administer them," notes Michael Barnish, DO, board certified in infectious disease and a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine. "Your doctor can refer you to a travel medicine physician, or you can call the local board of health. Be sure to check into the possible need for immunizations and malaria prevention at least two weeks before departing; some shots do not take effect immediately."