When you think of vaccines, childhood immunizations come to mind. However, vaccines are just as important for adults. We spoke with George Roy, MD, a family medicine physician at HonorHealth Medical Group – South Tempe to learn more.
"The purpose of vaccines is to produce an active immunity to a specific virus or bacteria," says Dr. Roy. "The goal is to help patients develop their own antibodies, so they have the best chance of warding off or fighting a virus or bacteria." Here are six vaccines that Dr. Roy says adults should get:
1. Influenza vaccine
Recommended for people of all ages, particularly seniors and those with more than one chronic disease.
Unlike a cold, the flu is a serious and potentially deadly condition. One of the most important vaccines, the flu shot is created each year based on clinical research about the particular flu virus strains that are expected to spread. Even if the vaccine you receive doesn't match the strain you contract, you'll still benefit by having a shorter and less severe flu experience.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adjusted flu vaccination recommendations related for those with egg allergies. If you have an egg allergy that leads to hives, the recommendation is that you receive the vaccination as usual. If your egg allergy produces an anaphylactic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; dizziness), you should get the vaccine in a physician's office or hospital where you can be monitored for 30 minutes afterward. If you experience a negative reaction, you'll receive prompt medical attention.
2. Shingles vaccine
Recommended for adults age 50 and up.
Shingles is a contagious, painful and blistery rash-like skin condition triggered by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. After a bout with chickenpox, the virus goes dormant in the nerves in your back where it remains unnoticed for roughly 30 to 40 years.
The virus may resurface later in adulthood after an illness, stressful life event or contact with someone who has an active case of shingles. When the virus is reactivated, it travels along the nerves closest to the skin. The shingles virus is especially dangerous if you have chronic diseases because you're at risk for a more severe case of shingles that may spread to other parts of the body or lead to neuropathy.
The shingles vaccine, which has an 80 to 90% effectiveness rating, is not a live vaccine. It requires two doses administered two to six months apart.
3. Pneumococcal vaccine
Recommended for adults 65 and up. Adults younger than 65 who are diabetic or who smoke cigarettes may also benefit from the vaccine.
Sometimes mistakenly called the pneumonia shot, the pneumococcal vaccine protects against a specific bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other infections.
The pneumococcal vaccine requires two doses administered one year apart. Consult with your physician to determine your vaccine schedule.
4. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine
Recommended for everyone but especially for those who perform manual labor, work with their hands or are around newborns.
The vaccine prevents tetanus, an infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria resulting in painful muscle contractions. There are four kinds of tetanus vaccines, all of which protect against other diseases. These include:
- Diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccine
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
- Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
The tetanus vaccine should be administered every 10 years. Consult your physician to determine which tetanus vaccine is right for you.
5. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Recommended for males and females between the ages of 9 to 26.
The HPV vaccine protects against certain types of HPV that can cause genital warts, cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men.
6. Hepatitis A vaccine
Recommended for anyone who plans to travel abroad.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection you can get from contaminated food or water sources.
To get the full benefits, the Hepatitis A vaccine should be given in a series of two shots administered six months apart. If you're planning to travel out of the country, schedule your vaccinations far enough in advance to receive both doses before your departure date.
Unfortunately, Dr. Roy says most patients visit the doctor for a travel consult about a month before their trip. While one dose of the vaccine provides about 50% immune response, he says it's best to get both doses.