10, Aug 2023
Vaccinations are critical components of routine healthcare for all age groups.
They protect against severe debilitating illnesses, disability and death from infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster (shingles), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV-related cancers, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Since the pandemic, the enormous impact of COVID-19 vaccines on reducing illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths further demonstrates the immense value of vaccines.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a drop in routine immunizations among children and adults. We must take steps to help get everyone back on schedule with their routine immunizations.
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Take action to get routine vaccinations back on schedule.
Routine vaccines recommended for adults include COVID-19 Vaccine with booster doses, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine (Tdap), Shingrix (Shingles) Vaccine, and Pneumococcal vaccine.
A flu vaccine is recommended yearly for people of all ages. Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine if they did not receive it. A Td (tetanus, diphtheria) or Tdap booster vaccine is recommended every 10 years.
Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine with every pregnancy (Preferably during weeks 27 through 36).
Additional Vaccines for adults ages 19-26 include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine and Meningococcal ACWY (Meningitis) Vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine is a three-dose vaccine series for men and women through age 26 who did not previously receive the vaccine or finish the series.
Meningococcal ACWY (Meningitis) Vaccine is highly recommended for young adults who live in communal housing, such as college students and military recruits.
Adults 27-45 years old who did not previously receive or finish the vaccine series should talk to their healthcare provider about whether an HPV vaccine is recommended.
Adults ages 50 years and older must be offered Shingrix (Shingles) Vaccine to protect against shingles and related complications from the disease.
Hepatitis A Vaccine may be recommended for people traveling to certain countries. People at risk for infection through sexual exposure, exposure to blood, travel to certain countries, health conditions, or other circumstances that may expose them to hepatitis B should get Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine is recommended for adults who did not receive the vaccine as a child or do not have proof of immunity. Additional doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for adults at a high risk of getting exposed, including people who work in healthcare, international travelers, or students in educational settings.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV 7 or PCV 13 or PCV 15 or PCV 20, or PPSV23) is recommended for adults with chronic health conditions that affect the heart, liver, lungs or kidneys. It is also recommended for adults with an immunocompromised disease, asplenia, cerebrospinal leak, or cochlear implant.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine is recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox or have not received the vaccine.
The chickenpox vaccine is also essential for certain people, including those individuals working in the healthcare industry, teachers and others who spend time around children, military personnel
It is as crucial for you to stay up to date on immunizations as an adult as it was when you were a child.
Adults can still get sick from diseases that vaccines could prevent.
In addition, immunity provided by some childhood vaccines may decrease over time, so booster shots may be required to boost your immunity and keep you protected.
Make sure you are up to date on your age-appropriate vaccines. Learn about vaccines that you may have missed or are recommended based on your age, job, lifestyle, travel plans, or underlying health conditions.
Please consult with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you.
You may also refer to the cdc.gov website for further information about recommended Immunization Schedule.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)