It's important to protect children against certain diseases. But did you know you should protect yourself, too? Some of your childhood vaccinations might have worn off, leaving you unprotected. At your next physical, ask your health-care provider if you're up-to-date on all recommended adult vaccinations.
The Tdap vaccine helps to protect adults against diphtheria, which can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, and death.78 The CDC currently recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for adults.85
Read moreEach year, depending on the severity of the influenza season, an estimated 3,000 to 49,000 Americans die from flu-related complications, and 226,000 are hospitalized.124,83 So not only could the flu keep you out of work; it could also be deadly.59
Read moreShingles, a reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox, causes a painful, blistered skin rash on the body or face. If you've had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against it, you can get shingles.83
Read more at cdc.govA lot of adults, especially those over 60 years of age, aren't protected against tetanus. This is why adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years.83
Read moreInfants may be at greatest risk for this highly contagious disease, and studies show that when the source can be identified, family members are the source of transmission in up to 83% of infant cases.57,53 This is why it's so important to get vaccinated.
Read moreIn some cases, you many need a booster vaccine or additional vaccines so that you are fully immunized against certain diseases. Talk to your health-care provider to make sure you are up-to-date on the following vaccinations.
Chickenpox VaccineChickenpox (varicella) is especially dangerous if you get it after childhood.83 If you've never had chickenpox or only received 1 dose of the vaccine, you may need another dose.85
Read more at cdc.govWomen 11-26 years of age who never received or finished the HPV vaccine series should get immunized. The HPV vaccine helps protect against genital warts and cervical cancer.83
Read moreMeasles in the United States is at its highest rate in 15 years.11 People born after 1957 should make sure they received the MMR vaccine, which helps to protect against this extremely contagious viral illness, plus mumps and rubella.85,11
Read more at cdc.govMumps is a viral disease spread through coughing, sneezing and talking.83 People born after 1957 should make sure they were fully immunized with the MMR vaccine.85
Read more at cdc.govRubella can cause miscarriages, premature birth, and birth defects among pregnant women and their babies.83 Make sure you have been fully vaccinated against rubella with the MMR vaccine.
Read more at cdc.govAdults with certain medical conditions or lifestyles may need additional vaccinations. Check with your health-care provider to see if you should receive any of the following vaccines.
Hepatitis A VaccineHepatitis A is a potentially dangerous virus that could lead to liver disease.83 Adults with certain risk factors should get vaccinated. This includes people with chronic liver disease and clotting-factor disorders.86
Read more at cdc.gov12.5 million people in the United States have been infected with Hep B, which can lead to liver cancer and death.83 You need Hep B vaccine if you belong to one of several risk groups, or simply want to help protect yourself from this serious disease.85 Talk to your health-care professional to see if you are at risk.
Read moreMeningococcal meningitis is a very dangerous bacterial illness that can lead to death.83 You may need to get vaccinated if you have one of several health conditions, if you're planning on living in a college dorm for the first time, or if you visit countries where meningitis is common.86 Ask your health-care provider to see if you are at increased risk.
Read more at cdc.govFor adults, pneumococcal disease usually occurs as pneumonia.83 If you smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions such as asthma, you may need 1-2 doses of pneumococcal vaccine.85 Check with your health-care professional to see if you need pneumococcal vaccine.
Read more at cdc.gov
