You probably were vaccinated against many infectious diseases that prevail now and some that have faded away. Although most vaccines are given in the first two decades of life, even adults need a helping hand in the arm for several reasons. Some of us have never been vaccinated as children. A lot more Vaccines are available now than when today's 30 somethings were toddlers. As we age, immunity may disappear, leaving you vulnerable to serious diseases caused by common infections. And you can travel to areas where infectious diseases are much more frequent than they are where you live.
ACIP (US apex disease control agency) has added several new vaccines for a list of those recommended for adults. Not everyone needs all of these vaccines. For example, the recently approved vaccine against strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer is only recommended for girls and young women, the age of nine to 26 years. This is why it works best if given before a young woman becomes sexually active and exposed to HPV. On the other hand, zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 60 to prevent shingles and reduce the excruciating pain (post herpetic neuralgia).
Vaccination not only protects an individual, but also the entire community, a phenomenon known as herd immunity. When you are infected, your immune system prepared with the vaccine reduces the time they are infectious, which minimizes the risk of infecting others. If everyone around you has been vaccinated, they are less likely to be infected. And if enough members of a community have the protection of the vaccine, everyone in this community, even those not vaccinated are less likely to get sick.
The influenza (flu)
Anyone wishing to reduce the risk of becoming ill or of transmitting influenza to others can benefit from this. The vaccine contains strains of virus most likely cause of the disease this year. Do not give to anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction to eggs or the vaccine itself, or any other person who contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome within six months after the previous influenza vaccination.
Protects against influenza, a respiratory disease that kills thousands of people each year from complications. If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or asthma, is particularly important to be vaccinated. (The vaccine does not prevent influenza H1N1 "swine").
Pneumococcal polysac charide vaccine (PPSV)
• Any person 65 years or if you have a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma, smoke or you. Anyone with a chronic illness, a weakened immune system or spleen removed or damaged, residents of nursing homes or retirement homes, or any person at high risk of pneumococcal disease. It should not be given to someone who has had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine. One or two doses of vaccine for life
.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TD/TDAP)
Adults, age 19-64, should receive a dose of Tdap as a replacement for the usual shots of Td given every 10 years. Adults who have never been vaccinated against these diseases must be received three doses of vaccine (the first two doses four weeks apart and six to 12 months later). Should not be granted to any person who has had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine.
The Tdap is a booster vaccine that helps prevent tetanus (a bacterial disease that causes tetanus, muscle spasms, and nervous system damage), diphtheria (a disease of the airways), and pertussis (whooping cough ). TD vaccine only protects against tetanus and diphtheria
.
Herpes zoster [/b]
This Protects against shingles, an itchy, painful rash caused by the varicella–zoster virus the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had the chickenpox, you are at risk for getting this since the virus stays dormant in your nerve cells. The zoster vaccine decreases your chances of getting shingles by 50 percent.
Varicella
Anyone, especially health workers, born before 1980, who haven’t had chickenpox or never been vaccinated against it. Two doses during your lifetime, four to eight weeks apart. Should not be given to pregnant women, to anyone with a weakened immune system, or to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Hepatitis A
Anyone who wants to be immune to hepatitis A infection; anyone with chronic liver disease, or a clotting factor disorder; people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to hepatitis A virus; certain international travelers and food handlers. Two doses per lifetime, six months apart. Should not be given to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Protects against hepatitis A, an acute liver disease, contracted by ingesting contaminated food.
Hepatitis B
Anyone wishing to become immune to hepatitis B infection; anyone with chronic liver disease, HIV infection, end-stage renal disease; people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to hepatitis B especially adults with multiple sex partners, partners of infected people, and travelers to high-risk areas. Three doses, with four weeks between doses one and two, and eight weeks between doses two and three. Should not be given to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Protects against hepatitis B, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is transmitted through body fluids. Hepatitis B can range from acute to long term and can cause liver cancer.
ACIP (US apex disease control agency) has added several new vaccines for a list of those recommended for adults. Not everyone needs all of these vaccines. For example, the recently approved vaccine against strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer is only recommended for girls and young women, the age of nine to 26 years. This is why it works best if given before a young woman becomes sexually active and exposed to HPV. On the other hand, zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 60 to prevent shingles and reduce the excruciating pain (post herpetic neuralgia).
Vaccination not only protects an individual, but also the entire community, a phenomenon known as herd immunity. When you are infected, your immune system prepared with the vaccine reduces the time they are infectious, which minimizes the risk of infecting others. If everyone around you has been vaccinated, they are less likely to be infected. And if enough members of a community have the protection of the vaccine, everyone in this community, even those not vaccinated are less likely to get sick.
The influenza (flu)
Anyone wishing to reduce the risk of becoming ill or of transmitting influenza to others can benefit from this. The vaccine contains strains of virus most likely cause of the disease this year. Do not give to anyone who has had an anaphylactic reaction to eggs or the vaccine itself, or any other person who contracted Guillain-Barre syndrome within six months after the previous influenza vaccination.
Protects against influenza, a respiratory disease that kills thousands of people each year from complications. If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or asthma, is particularly important to be vaccinated. (The vaccine does not prevent influenza H1N1 "swine").
Pneumococcal polysac charide vaccine (PPSV)
• Any person 65 years or if you have a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma, smoke or you. Anyone with a chronic illness, a weakened immune system or spleen removed or damaged, residents of nursing homes or retirement homes, or any person at high risk of pneumococcal disease. It should not be given to someone who has had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine. One or two doses of vaccine for life
.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TD/TDAP)
Adults, age 19-64, should receive a dose of Tdap as a replacement for the usual shots of Td given every 10 years. Adults who have never been vaccinated against these diseases must be received three doses of vaccine (the first two doses four weeks apart and six to 12 months later). Should not be granted to any person who has had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine.
The Tdap is a booster vaccine that helps prevent tetanus (a bacterial disease that causes tetanus, muscle spasms, and nervous system damage), diphtheria (a disease of the airways), and pertussis (whooping cough ). TD vaccine only protects against tetanus and diphtheria
.
Herpes zoster [/b]
This Protects against shingles, an itchy, painful rash caused by the varicella–zoster virus the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had the chickenpox, you are at risk for getting this since the virus stays dormant in your nerve cells. The zoster vaccine decreases your chances of getting shingles by 50 percent.
Varicella
Anyone, especially health workers, born before 1980, who haven’t had chickenpox or never been vaccinated against it. Two doses during your lifetime, four to eight weeks apart. Should not be given to pregnant women, to anyone with a weakened immune system, or to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Hepatitis A
Anyone who wants to be immune to hepatitis A infection; anyone with chronic liver disease, or a clotting factor disorder; people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to hepatitis A virus; certain international travelers and food handlers. Two doses per lifetime, six months apart. Should not be given to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Protects against hepatitis A, an acute liver disease, contracted by ingesting contaminated food.
Hepatitis B
Anyone wishing to become immune to hepatitis B infection; anyone with chronic liver disease, HIV infection, end-stage renal disease; people whose work or lifestyle exposes them to hepatitis B especially adults with multiple sex partners, partners of infected people, and travelers to high-risk areas. Three doses, with four weeks between doses one and two, and eight weeks between doses two and three. Should not be given to anyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine.
Protects against hepatitis B, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is transmitted through body fluids. Hepatitis B can range from acute to long term and can cause liver cancer.