Q: I keep track of my children’s immunizations, but how do I know what immunizations I need now that I am older?
A: Talk with your doctor about what you need. Immunizations are NOT just for kids! Regardless of age, we ALL need immunizations to keep us healthy. With time, immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off and you may be at risk for new and different diseases. The immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, health conditions, locations of travel and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to maintain protection against influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), pneumococcal disease and hepatitis B.
Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against human papillomavirus (which can cause certain cancers), hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella) and measles, mumps and rubella. Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you.
Encourage other adults in your family to find out which immunizations they may need to help protect against preventable diseases.
Remind your family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to get vaccinated each year against seasonal influenza. If they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, they protect themselves and those around them, especially babies too young to be vaccinated.
—Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Good Neighbor Pharmacy, August 2014
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