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Adult Immunization
What is Immunization?
Immunization (IM-you-ni-ZAY-shun) is a way to protect people from getting a number of illnesses. Many of these illnesses are easily spread and can cause serious health problems. They can even cause death.People usually get immunizations when they are children. Immunizations are often given as shots called vaccines (vak-seens).
Why do I need vaccines if I feel okay?
Vaccines will protect you from getting sick. Without them, you have a higher risk of getting a number of serious illnesses.Even adults who received vaccines as children should get some of the vaccines again. Without a new dose of the medicine, they are not protected as well.
How do I know what vaccines I need?
Your health care provider can tell you what vaccines you may need by asking you about your medical history. If you:
- Never received vaccines as a child, OR
- You don't know if you received vaccines
You are likely to need a number of vaccines.
What vaccines should I have been given as a child?
You should have been given vaccines for:
- Pertussis (whopping cough)
- Rubeola (measles)
- Tetanus (lockjaw)
- Diphtheria
- Mumps
- Polio
- Rubella (German measles)
What vaccines do I need if I wasn't vaccinated?
In most cases, you will need vaccines for:
- Tetanus (lockjaw)
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria
- Polio
If you were born after 1956, and have not already received a second shot for these diseases, you are likely to also need vaccines for:
- Rubeola (measles)
- Mumps
- Rubella (German measles)
If you have had any of these illnesses, you may not need vaccines for them.
What shots do I need if I was vaccinated as a child?
Everyone should get a tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria vaccine once every eight to ten years. It's also a good idea to get what are called flu shots (influenza vaccine).Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia shots are very important for people who:
- Are 65 or older
- Have a lung or heart disease
- Have diabetes
- Have difficulty fighting illnesses (can be caused by organ transplant medicine, and some kidney diseases, cancers and other diseases)
Note: You must get a new influenza shot every fall to be protected, but the pneumonia vaccine is needed only once.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are very safe. The illnesses present a greater health risk to you than the vaccines. Serious side effects from vaccines are not common but they can happen. Ask your health care provider to tell you about possible risks and side effects.What is a "booster" shot?
A "booster" shot is another dose of a vaccine. Tetanus and diphtheria shots that people get every ten years are called booster shots. The additional dose of medicine "boosts" your protection against an illness.Should I get vaccines if I am pregnant?
Measles, mumps, rubella, polio and chickenpox vaccines are not safe for pregnant women. Tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines may be given safely during pregnancy.Do I need vaccines if I plan to get pregnant?
If a pregnant woman gets German measles (rubella), her baby can be born with birth defects. If you plan to get pregnant, you should be sure that you are immune to German measles. This can be determined by a blood test. You should not get this vaccine if you plan to get pregnant within the next three months.It is important that you keep a record of when you received your immunizations. This record is an important part of your health history.
Where can I get more information?
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control
1 (800) CDC-SHOT
1 (800) 232-2522
Or, call your local public health department.
This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provier. Please contact your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
HIV and AIDS Hepatitis Adult Immunization Influenza Pneumonia Sexually Transmitted Diseases Tuberculosis Skin Testing