Todd Reynolds MD
Vaccines: They’re Not Just Kids’ Stuff
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Aug 20, 2008 - 9:03:31 AM

With the approach of another school year comes the rush for school checkups and booster shots.  But kids aren’t the only ones who need regular immunizations; adults need vaccinations too.

Over the last couple of decades, the rate of pertussis infections has been rising in the U.S.  Pertussis infection, or whooping cough, had its lowest incidence in 1976.  However, since the 1990s, infections caused by these bacteria have increased nearly five times.

This rise in infections is in part due to our waning body defenses.  That is, over time the cell’s ability to make antibodies to fight off pertussis fades.  Children used to receive their final pertussis vaccination prior to entering kindergarten.  Now, a pertussis booster is mandated for children entering the sixth grade.  

Tetanus boosters have been recommended every ten years for adults.  In the past, individuals who were injured, such as stepping on a nail or cutting themselves, were given a tetanus booster or Td (tetanus and diphtheria).  Adults should now receive a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) shot in these instances.  Boosters should still be given every ten years.  

Another well-known adult vaccination is the flu shot.  Immunization against the influenza virus should begin in early fall.  The flu season usually peaks around February.  For those who don’t get a shot in the fall or early winter, the flu vaccine can be received anytime throughout the flu season; however, it takes about two weeks to take effect.  The vaccine’s protection generally lasts at least four months.  

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year to protect against the most likely influenza-producing viruses for that season.  The vaccine is highly recommended for those at greatest risk for getting complications from the flu.  This includes those over 65 years old and those with chronic medical conditions such as lung and heart disease.

The pneumonia vaccine is aimed at reducing infection from pneumococcal pneumonia.  A onetime shot is recommended for adults with chronic lung disease (COPD and asthma) and other chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.     

Shingles, or herpes zoster, affects about a million Americans each year.  The disease is a re-activation of the chicken pox virus (herpes varicella-zoster).  There are more cases seen in women and Caucasians and the risk goes up with age.  

The shingles vaccine is recommended for those age 60 years and older.  It can reduce the risk of both getting shingles and getting complications of shingles, such as post-herpetic neuralgia.  

Adults who have never had chicken pox (varicella) should consider getting the varicella vaccine.  It can reduce their risk of getting the chicken pox and, therefore, shingles.  Theoretically, a person with shingles can pass the virus to others through direct contact.   

Other vaccinations that are helpful in early adulthood include the meningitis vaccination and the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine.  Meningitis vaccination is usually required by colleges, especially for those students who plan to stay in a dorm.  HPV vaccination has been developed for women to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.  It is usually recommended prior to age 25.                

The content in this column is for informational purposes only.  Consult your physician for appropriate individual treatment.  Dr. Reynolds practices Family Medicine in Chesterfield.


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