Word to the wise: immunize for good adult health; information about adult immunization [2007]

INFORMATION ABOUT ADULT IMMUNIZATION

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Common Questions About Adult Immunizations And Good Health
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, disability and in some cases, 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. Each year, approximately 5,000 people in the U.S. die of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related liver failure. Another 1500 die from HBV-related liver cancer. HBV infection is the most common cause of liver cancer worldwide and ranks second only to cigarettes as the world's leading cause of cancer.
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, pertussis, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles, mumps, polio and rubella.

Are Immunizations Safe? Yes, however, no vaccine is fully without risk. 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.
Are There Any Common Side Effects 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 should discuss any health concerns you have with your doctor or health care provider.
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. Getting immunized is important throughout a person's life. Don't leave your doctor's office without making sure that you have had all the immunizations you need.
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.
Where Can I Get Immunized? You can get immunizations from your doctor or county
health department. Call your health care provider to find out the time and
place to get your vaccinations.

Dangerous Diseases Attack Millions Of Adults Each Year
Each year in the U.S., over 40,000 adults die from vaccine preventable diseases or their complications.
Pneumonia and influenza together are the fifth leading cause of death among older adults.
An estimated 36,000 people in the U.S. die each year from influenza related complications, including an average of 92 deaths each year in children less than 5 years old. Greater than 90% of deaths occur in persons 65 and older.
The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Nearly one third of adults who become infected with hepatitis B do so without knowing how they got it.
Hepatitis A is 1,000 times more common than cholera and 100 times more common than typhoid among international travelers.
Approximately half of those who live to be 85 years old will have one or more encounters with Herpes Zoster (shingles).
At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.
In the U.S., as many as 8 million women of childbearing age are susceptible to rubella which can lead to birth defects such as deafness, cataracts, and mental retardation.
Most tetanus related deaths occur in those 60 years of age and older and those who are diabetic.
Some studies indicate that pertussis is responsible for as much as 25% of all severe cough illnesses lasting seven days or more among adolescents and adults.
For more information visit the Georgia Immunization Program Website www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization
or call 404-657-3158.

DPH06/098HW Form 3110 (Rev. 2007)

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VACCINATIONS FOR ADULTS

TYPE OF VACCINE Influenza ("Flu Vaccination")
Pneumococcal ("Pneumonia Shot") Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis (Tdap) Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) Hepatitis A (Hep A)
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Varicella (Chickenpox) Meningococcal Travel Vaccines Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Zoster (shingles)

FOR WHOM IT IS RECOMMENDED

SCHEDULE

People who are 50 years of age or older People younger than 50 with chronic medical problems such as
heart or lung disease, diabetes or an immune system weakened by disease or medicine* All persons living in chronic care facilities All persons living or working with these individuals Pregnant women Healthy people who are 5 through 49 years of age may receive a nasal spray form of influenza vaccine*

One dose per year, because the flu virus changes from year to year
October through November is the best time to receive a flu vaccination, but getting a flu vaccination in December, January or February can still protect you

All adults 65 years of age and older

Routinely given as a one-time dose on or after age 65

People younger than 65 who have chronic medical

Booster dose may be recommended five years later for

conditions such as those listed for influenza, excluding asthma* those at highest risk* or if first dose was given prior to

age 65

Persons 11 through 64 years of age need one dose of Tdap All adults

If a person hasn't had at least 3 basic tetanus-diphtheria shots in their lifetime, they need to complete the 3 dose series which should include 1 dose of Tdap: First dose now Second dose one month later Third dose six months after the second dose
A booster dose of Td should be given every 10 years after completion of the basic series, or earlier if needed for wound management

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, including Hepatitis C
Certain laboratory workers

Two doses: First dose now Second dose six-twelve months after first dose

Adults with at risk conditions Household contacts and sexual partners of persons chronically
infected with Hepatitis B Users of illegal drugs Individuals with more than one sexual partner in 6 months Hemodialysis patients Health care workers Certain international travelers

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

Adults born in 1957 or after, if not previously vaccinated Health care workers, students or travelers may be required
to be vaccinated, regardless of age

One dose A second dose may be required in some work or school
settings, or for travel. If a second dose is needed, it should be given no sooner than one month after first dose

Recommended for those who have never had chickenpox

Two doses: First dose now Second dose one month later

First year college students living in dormitories Adults who do not have a functional spleen or have a
weakened immune system* Travelers to certain parts of Africa and Middle East*

One dose Revaccination in 3-5 years may be indicated for persons
at high risk

Persons who travel outside the U.S. may need additional vaccines Consult with your doctor or nurse about recommended and/or required vaccines

All previously unvaccinated women through age 26 years

Three doses: First dose now Second dose 4-8 weeks after first dose Third dose 6 months after first dose and at least 12
weeks after second dose.

A single does of zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years of age and older whether or not they report a prior episode of herpes zoster.

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

Adults Need To Be Immunized Against These Diseases
Influenza 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.
Pneumococcal Disease is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria. When the infection attacks the lungs, it results in pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia are high fever, cough with chest pain and mucus, shaking chills, and shortness of breath.
Hepatitis B 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.
Hepatitis A 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.
Diphtheria causes a severe throat infection that prevents swallowing or breathing. It can also cause heart failure or paralysis.
Pertussis in adults can cause a cough that lasts for months. Adults can spread this disease to infants and young children. Pertussis in younger ages can be severe and result in death.
Tetanus (lockjaw) results when an open wound becomes infected with tetanus germs, causing muscles to go into spasms.
Measles causes a high fever and rash. It can cause middle ear infections, swelling of the brain and pneumonia.
Mumps causes painful swelling of the cheeks and jaws. It can cause swelling of the brain or spinal cord membranes.
Rubella (German measles) causes swollen glands and a red rash. In a pregnant woman, it can harm the unborn baby.
Varicella (chickenpox) can cause serious health problems such as skin infections, pneumonia and in rare cases, brain swelling.
Meningococcal Disease is caused by bacteria that can infect the spinal cord, brain or bloodstream.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. But HPV is important mainly because it can cause cervical cancer in women (and young girls).
Herpes Zoster (shingles) is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. The rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. The main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe but it can also cause fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.