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Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, I thought I would give you the top 10 vaccines that adults should consider getting in order to prevent certain diseases.
According to the CDC, here are some diseases that you should get a vaccine for and the amount of shots each adult age group should get:
1) Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Td/Tdap): Diphtheria "can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death," according to the CDC. A tetanus shot can prevent lockjaw and a pertussis shot can prevent whooping cough. Beginning at age 19, adults should get a Tdap vaccine first and then, after age 64, adults should get a Td booster every 10 years. The first Tdap shot applies to those who haven't gotten it before the age of 19.
2) HPV: This vaccine is supposed to prevent cervical cancer from HPV. Women should get an HPV vaccine (three shots/doses) in the 19-26 age group.
3) Varicella: This vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Adults 19 to over 65 should get two shots if not immune or if prior vaccinations weren't sufficient.
4) Herpes Zoster: Also called shingles, this is a painful skin rash. It is like an adult chickenpox, as it is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Adults 60 to over 65 should get one dose.
5) Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): These can cause many unwanted problems. One or two doses should be taken from 19 to 49 years, and those who have other risk factors and are 50 to over 65 years old should have another shot.
6) Influenza: From 19 to 49 years old, those who have risk factors should have one shot annually. Otherwise, those 50 to over 65 years old should always have one shot annually. You might want to consider getting a swine flu shot as well once it's available.
7) Pneumococcal (polysaccharide): This can cause bacterial meningitis and blood infections. One or two doses should be taken for those ages 19 to 64 who have risk factors. Otherwise, only those 65 and up need to have one dose.
8) Hepatitis A: This can affect the liver and cause other complications. Two doses should be taken by those who have risk factors.
9) Hepatitis B: This can affect the liver and cause other complications. Three doses should be taken by those who have risk factors.
10) Meningococcal: This can cause bacterial meningitis and blood infections. One or more doses should be taken by those who have risk factors.
The chart can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5753-Immunization.pdf
There is another chart you can view from the link above that shows other medical conditions that require certain vaccines.
Here is a link to vaccine-preventable diseases: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/default.htm
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The CDC recommends that asthmatics have an annual flu vaccination as they are at higher risk of complications. A recent study by the CDC showed that most adult asthmatics are not getting their recommended flu shots. I did a review on the research which is interesting reading for asthmatics.
August 16, 2009 - 1:41pmhttp://www.my-peak-flow.com/flu-vaccination.html
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at [email protected] and www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
August 15, 2009 - 7:24pmP O Box 1818
El Mirage AZ 85335
480 270 2652
www.musa.org
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