Adult Immunization - Know About It!

If you think that immunisation is only for your infant, then you are living in a fool’s paradise. It’s a life-long process. You are never too old for this. It is a life-protecting job. You must get all your immunisation done in time to be protected against fatal diseases.

Here are some of the most common vaccines given to adults:

1. Hepatitis A (Hep A): You should take this vaccine if you are exposed to a specific risk factor for hepatitis A virus infection. You may also opt for this to be simply protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given in two doses. It should be given 6-18 months apart.
2. Hepatitis B (Hep B): You will need this if you are exposed to a specific risk factor for hepatitis B virus infection. You may take it simply if you want to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is given in three doses over a period of six months.
3. Human papillomavirus: This vaccine is given to women, who are 26 years of age or younger. In the case of men, the upper limit for age is 22. It can also be given to a man with a risk factor in the age group 22 to 26. It is given in three doses over a period of six months.
4. Influenza: It is a must for every individual. It should be given a dose every winter. It will not only provide protection to the immunised person, but also to others surrounding him.
5. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): You may require at least a single dose of this vaccine if you were born after 1975.
6. Meningococcal (MenACWY [MCV4], MenB, MPSV4): You may need MenACWY and/or MenB vaccine if you have been suffering from certain health conditions. It is given to adults who are not having a functioning spleen.
7. Pneumococcal (Pneumovax [polysaccharide vaccine, PPSV]; Prevnar [conjugate vaccine] PCV): You will have to get both pneumococcal vaccines, Prevnar (if you haven’t had it before) and Pneumovax, if you are more than 65 years of age. You will have protection from diseases like asthma, heart, and lung, or kidney disease, immunosuppression. It is best to consult your doctor before injecting such vaccines.
8. Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) (Tdap, Td): It must be given to all adults who have not got a dose of Tdap in adolescence. It is a must for pregnant women. You need a Td booster once every 10 years.
9. Varicella (Chickenpox): If you’ve never been exposed chickenpox or got vaccinated after receiving 1 dose, you must talk to your doctor to know when and what you should take.
10. Zoster (shingles): If you are 60-year-old or above, you must definitely get a 1-time dose.