Adult Immunizations Specialist

Why do I need adult immunizations?

Immunizations can help prevent the development of certain infectious diseases. Some immunizations reduce your risk significantly, while others are close to 100% effective.

During childhood, you should have received immunizations to protect you from diseases like smallpox, measles, polio, and many others. However, immunizations aren’t only necessary for children.

Some childhood vaccines wear off, so you need booster shots. There are also vaccine-preventable conditions that are more likely to affect you in adulthood. Also, you might have a higher risk of getting certain diseases because of your lifestyle, job, and where you travel.

How do adult immunizations work?

The vaccines used in immunization programs boost your body’s immune system against certain diseases. Your immune system identifies invading microorganisms like viruses and bacteria, creating antibodies to attack and destroy them. It stores copies of the antibodies in case you come into contact with the same organism again.

Vaccines use altered viruses and bacteria that won’t give you the disease but enable your immune system to create antibodies to protect you from them. Newer vaccines often use genetic material to stimulate antibody production.

What adult immunizations do I need?

The immunizations you need as an adult vary according to your risk levels, age, and immunization history. Examples of adult immunizations include:

Seasonal flu

All adults should have the seasonal flu (influenza) shot every year. The flu vaccine is particularly vital if you’re a senior, have a chronic health problem, or are pregnant.

Tdap

Tdap immunizations protect you against pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria. Many people have a Tdap shot in their teens, but if you didn’t, you should have it now. You only need the pertussis injection once, but boosters are necessary for tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years.

HPV

There are several strains of HPV (human papillomavirus), some of which can cause cancer of the cervix and anus. If you’re under 26 and haven’t had a shot, arrange to have it done at Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington. You can now have the HPV vaccination up to age 45.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (Pneumovax® 23 and Prevnar 13™) protect you against meningitis and bloodstream infections. You should have it if you’re 65 or over, or under 65 if you suffer from some health conditions.

Hepatitis

The word “hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver. You can be immunized against two kinds of the disease, hepatitis A and B.

To discuss your adult immunization needs, call Comprehensive Internal Medicine & Cardiology Associates of Huntington today or book an appointment online.