The need for vaccines does not go
away with age. In fact, board-certified
infectious disease specialist Dr. Paul
Pomilla of the Calvert Internal Medicine
Group says vaccines are one of the most
cost-effective ways for adults to maintain
personal health. Here, he answers some
of the most frequently asked questions
about vaccinations:
Q. Why are vaccines important for adults?
Vaccines not only help prevent diseases children
are susceptible to but those adults may be prone to, as
well. Without question, they (vaccines) have had the
greatest positive impact on public health worldwide.
Q. What
are some
reasons why adults need vaccines?
Just as children may have weak
immune systems that are not yet fully
developed, older adults may have their
immune systems weaken over time,
or be on medications that weaken the
immune system as a side-effect. Also, the
effectiveness of some childhood vaccines
can decrease over time, necessitating a
booster dose as an adult.
Q. Which ones do we need to get?
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV
vaccine and meningitis for certain young
adults (26 years and younger). The shingles
vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and
older and the pneumonia two-shot series
beginning at age 65 (earlier, if certain health
conditions exist like diabetes). A yearly flu
shot is recommended for all adults. Finally,
the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping
cough) vaccine is recommended for women
during each pregnancy and once for all
adults who have not previously received it.
After that, you will need a Td booster every
10 years.
Q. Where can you get
vaccinated?
Your primary care
provider most likely will have the majority
of the vaccinations you require. Other
convenient places include area pharmacies,
some employers and the local health
department.
Q. When is the best time to get your flu shot?
By getting it
in the early fall, you are protected for the entire flu season. The
reason a new flu shot is needed each year is not that the old one has worn
out, but that it will not be effective against the next year’s strain of flu. By
the way, researchers are working on a once-in-a-lifetime flu shot – but until
that is available, it is important to get your flu shot every year!
Q. How safe are vaccines?
Most people get no significant side effects
from a vaccine, aside from a mildly sore arm for a day
or two. Some may get a low-grade fever or mild rash. More serious side
effects are very uncommon. It should also be noted studies have shown
there is no link between autism and vaccines or vaccine ingredients.
Q. Why is it important to talk with your healthcare
provider about which vaccines you need?
A primary
care provider who is familiar with all your medical problems is in a
particularly good position to recommend the vaccines you need. During a
general medical exam is a good time to discuss it, but you can bring it up
at any visit.
Q. Is it OK to repeat a vaccine if you cannot find
the record?
Try to keep up-to-date vaccination records for
yourself and your children but if it is uncertain whether you have previously
received a recommended vaccine, it is safe to repeat the vaccine.
Q. Do adults with certain health conditions need
additional vaccines?
Yes, for example someone without
a functional spleen (which helps fight infection) should get meningitis
vaccines, a Hib (hemophilus type B) vaccine, and more frequent
pneumonia vaccines. Many experts and colleges recommend, meningitis
vaccines for students living in dorms. Travelers to certain destinations
may require vaccinations against typhoid or yellow fever or Japanese
encephalitis virus.
Q. Do I need another MMR vaccine?
The recent measles
outbreak, although thus far limited to fewer than 1,000 people
nationwide, highlights the risks of remaining un-vaccinated. Those born
before 1957 are generally protected and do not need to be re-vaccinated.
Those born later who don’t have any evidence of immunity should receive
at least one dose of the vaccine. Two doses (the second one at least a
month after the first) are recommended for those at highest risk – college
students, international travelers and healthcare workers.
The CDC website and your primary care provider can provide
additional information.