Word to the wise : immunize for good adult health

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Common Questions About Adult Immunizations
and Good Health

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What Are Immunizations?
Immunizations, also called vaccinations or shots, are a form of medicine made to protect people against many diseases.
These medicines are usually given by injections (shots).
Immunizations protect you from diseases that can lead to severe illness that can disable and in some cases cause death.
Aren't Immunizations Just For Children?
No. Immunizations begin at birth and continue throughout adulthood.
Proper vaccinations are preventive health measures that everyone should practice throughout their life.
It is also important to remember that childhood diseases such as chickenpox, mumps and measles can be a much more serious health threat for adults.
Who Should Be Immunized?
All adults need to be protected against a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases, which may include influenza, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles, mumps, polio and rubella.
Are Immunizations Safe?
No vaccine is fully without risk.
However, the chance of getting a disease and suffering its complications is greater than the chance of problems from the vaccine itself.
It is important to remember that all vaccines are tested many times to ensure their safety.

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Are There Any Common Side EHects To Immunizations?
Yes, side effects sometimes occur. They may include a slight fever, headache, redness or tenderness and swelling at the site of vaccination for a day or two.
These side effects are mild and may not appear with each immunization.
You cannot get a disease from the vaccine.
You should discuss any health concerns you have with your doctor or health care provider.

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When Should I Be Immunized?
You may need to be immunized with specific vaccines at different times during your life depending upon your health history, current health status and other existing risk factors.
If you were never immunized or never contracted
any of the preventable childhood diseases you
are also at risk and need to be vaccinated.
In addition, you need to be aware that even if you were immunized as a child, you may need to receive a booster vaccination because some immunizations need to be given again to keep you protected.
How Do I Pay For Immunizations?

Many health insurance plans, including
Medicaid and Medicare, cover the cost of
immunizations.
Both the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B.

ea, Where Can I Get Immunized?

You can get immunizations from your doctor or health care clinic.
Call your health care provider to find out the time and place to get your vaccinations.

For Good Adult Health
DPHOO.52H Form 3110 (Rev. 10-02)

VACCINATIONS for Adults

Type of Vaccine

_ For Whom it is Recommended

_I

Schedule

Influenza
("Flu Shot")
Pneumococcal
("Pneumonia Shot")
Tetanus Diphtheria
(Td)
Hepatitis A
(Hep A)
Hepatitis B
(Hep B)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Varicella
(Chickenpox)
Travel Vaccines

People who are 50 years of age or older
People younger than 50 with chronic medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems*
All persons living in chronic care facilities All persons living or working with these individuals
Healthy pregnant women who will be in the last 6 months of
their pregnancy during Au season

One dose per year, because the flu virus changes from year
to year October through November is the best time to receive a flu shot

All adults 65 years of age and older People younger than 65 who have chronic medical conditions
such as those listed for influenza*

Routinely given as a one-time dose Booster dose may be recommended five years later for those
at highest risk* or if first dose was given prior to age 65

All adults

If a person hasn't had at least 3 basic (Td) tetanus-diphtheria
shots in their lifetime, they need to complete this series: - First dose now - Second dose one month later - Third dose six months after the second dose A booster dose should be given every 10 years after completion of the basic series

Recommended for those who travel to certain areas outside the U.S. People with at risk conditions: *
- People with clotting disorders - Drug users - Men who have sex with men - People with chronic liver disease

Two doses:
First dose now Second dose six-twelve months after first dose
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Adults with at risk conditions: Household contacts and sexual partners of persons chronically
infected with Hepatitis B Users of injectable drugs Heterosexuals with more than one sexual partner in 6 months Hemodialysis patients Health care workers Certain international travelers

Series of three doses:
Firsl dose now Second dose one month later Third dose usually five months after the second dose

Adults born in 1957 or later, if not previously vaccinated. However, health care workers, students or travelers may be
required to be vaccinated, regardless of age Consult with the health care facility or school for requirements

One dose A second dose may be required in some work or school
settings, or for travel and should be given one month after
first dose

Recommended for those who have never had chickenpox

Two doses:
First dose now Second dose one month later

Persons who travel outside the U.S. may need additional vaccines

Consult with your doctor or nurse about recommended and/or required vaccines

*Consult your health care professional to determine your level of risk and need for this vaccine.

Adults Need to Be Immunized
Against These Diseases
rm ill l, t{I is a virus that can cause high fever, chills, dry cough,
headache, runny nose, sore throat, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain resulting in severe sickness and in some cases even death.

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is an infection caused by a specific

type of bacteria. When the infection attacks the lungs, it results in

pneumococcal pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumococcal

pneumonia are high fever, cough with chest pain and mucus,

shaking chills, breathlessness and changing levels of consciousness

or confusion.

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causes liver damage, cancer or even death. You

also can pass the disease on to others even though you may have

no symptoms. It is spread through sex and by sharing needles to use

drugs, get tattoos or body piercings. It can also be passed from an

infected mother to her child during childbirth.

I :m ttl. .1";1 j is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver and
is found in the stool of infected people. Symptoms include fever,
nausea, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue, stomach pain, dark
urine and appetite loss.

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is a severe throat infection caused by bacteria that

can prevent or interfere with swallowing. It can also make a poison

in the body that can cause heart failure or paralysis.

l[ji.!,\lkjIOt1tE51 results when an open wound becomes
infected with tetanus germs, causing muscles to go into spasms.

1M" m E1 cause high fever and red spots. Problems may include
middle ear infections, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and
pneumonia.

lJ 1,'.\1) IIi cause painful swelling of your cheeks and jaws. Problems
include meningitis (swelling of the brain or spinal cord membrane)
and possible deafness.

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.{.! ,"'ll EH\tU causes swollen glands and a

red rash. In a pregnant woman it can cause damage to her unborn

baby.

"n:tt iraM :un,! t) II causes blisters and itching. It can be
very bad in infants, teens, adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Chickenpox can result in many problems such as pneumonia, and infected skin blisters or death.