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Header: Frequently Asked Questions for Adults

Frequently Asked Questions
I thought immunizations were for children. Why do I need to be immunized?

Immunizations are the best way to protect yourself from vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease (pneumonia), pertussis (whooping cough), shingles, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

Photograph: Two menVaccinations against less common diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, varicella (chickenpox), and human papilloma virus (HPV) are also needed by some adults.

Some of these illnesses, once contracted, do not have a cure, and all may cause tremendous health problems or even death. Vaccines are very safe, very effective, and can usually prevent the suffering and costs associated with these vaccine-preventable diseases.

Remember, getting the disease is much more likely to cause serious problems than getting the vaccine!


Logo: NC Division of Public Health
Link: N.C. Women's and Children's Health Web Site

 

 

Which immunizations do I need?

IMMUNIZATION

WHO NEEDS IT

HOW OFTEN
INFLUENZA (Flu)
Adults 50+; pregnant women; residents of long-term care facilities; children 6-59 months of age; and people 5 years and older with certain chronic illnesses
Once each year, beginning
in October
PNEUMOCOCCAL (Pneumonia)
Adults 65+; people 2-64 years of age who have diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disorders
One or two doses, depending on age and previous vaccination status
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS
(Td, Tdap)
Adults 18+

Adults 19-64 years of age should receive a single dose of Tdap to replace a single booster dose of Td, if the last dose of Td was received more than 10 years ago.

If older than 65, a booster shot of Td is needed every 10 years.
CHICKENPOX
Adults with no history of the disease
Two doses separated
by 1-2 months
MEASLES-MUMPS
-RUBELLA (MMR)
Adults born after 1956 who do not have documentation of receiving this vaccine
One dose; two doses recommended for college students and health care professionals
HEPATITIS B
High risk individuals
Three dose series
HEPATITIS A
High risk individuals or people with chronic liver disease
Two doses, 6-18 months apart
HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)
Women aged 26 or younger
Three dose series

Consult your healthcare professional to determine your level of risk for infection and your need for each of these vaccines.

What do these vaccines cost?

Link: Medicare's web siteFor Medicare beneficiaries, both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are paid for by Medicare part B if your healthcare provider accepts the Medicare-approved payment.

Out-of-pocket immunization costs may vary depending on insurance coverage. Check with your healthcare provider or clinic, and your health insurance plan to determine your costs.

Where can I obtain my immunizations?

Immunizations should be available from family doctors, internists, and other primary care physicians. Additionally, your city or county health department or local hospital may hold clinics to administer influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Many pharmacies offer these and other immunizations. Clinics may also be available in shopping malls, grocery stores, senior centers and other community settings.

Are there side effects to immunizations?

Vaccines are very safe. Some common minor side effects of vaccination include soreness at the injection site or a low grade fever. As with any medicine, there is a small risk that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine, such as an allergic reaction. However, the potential risks associated with the diseases these vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves.

Should I have a personal immunization record?

Definitely yes! A permanent immunization record should be kept by every adult. It will help you and your healthcare provider ensure that you are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. It can also provide needless revaccination during a health emergency or when you change providers. Ask your provider for an immunization record, and be sure to take it with you every time you visit your provider so that it can be reviewed and updated.

Click here for more information on how to locate your immunization record.

Information for this page collected from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750 | Bethesda, MD 20814 |
http://www.nfid.org/pdf/factsheets/adultqa.pdf
 

 

Last Updated: November 6, 2006

The purpose of this web site is both educational and informative.
Personal medical advice should be sought from your local health department or physician.

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