World Immunization Week is held during the last week of April and aims to promote the use of vaccines to help protect people of all ages against disease. Each year, immunizations save millions of lives and are widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. In honor of World Immunization Week, Community Care Physicians wants to share the 2019 Adult Immunization Schedule (for ages 19 and older) and how exactly to use it.
There are three simple steps to understanding the adult immunization schedule:
- Determine recommended vaccinations by ages.
- Assess need for additional recommended vaccinations by medical condition and other indications.
- Review vaccine types, frequencies, and intervals and considerations for special situations.
To view the recommended adult immunization schedule and accompanying information, click here.
Adult Immunization FAQ’s
Why immunize? Vaccines are one of the safest medical products available. Vaccines are effective and can prevent the suffering and costs associated with vaccine-preventable diseases.
Which vaccines do adults need? All adults need tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster vaccines at 10-year intervals throughout their life. Adults born after 1956 who are not immune to measles, mumps, or rubella, should get the MMR vaccine. All adults age 65 or older, and adults age 19-64 years who smoke or have diabetes, chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disorders need protection against pneumococcal. There are several other vaccines adults need; vaccination for influenza, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, meningococcal, and shingles. Consult your doctor about the necessary vaccine’s adults need.
Where can I get my vaccines? Vaccinations are usually available at your doctor's office. Your city or county health department or local hospitals may also hold clinics to administer influenza, Pneumococcal, hepatitis A and B vaccines. Pharmacists may also offer these and other vaccines.
How often do I need to be vaccinated? There are different vaccines that are recommended at specific ages and throughout adulthood. For instance, HPV is given at or before age 26, while shingles is given at age 60 and older. In regards to how often you should be getting vaccinated, most vaccines are one dose only for adults with some series of vaccines given over a short time span. The best way to decide exactly what you need and how to get fully immunized is to talk with your doctor or other healthcare practitioner. If you are in need of a primary care practitioner or need help getting a specific vaccine, call our Concierge Care Coordinator at (518) 782-3800.
Sources
http://www.adultvaccination.org/resources/adult-faq.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-combined-schedule.pdf