CHPS: Are you up to date on your immunizations?

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Sedgwick
  • Health Promotion Coordinator Civilian Health Promotion Services
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  We often associate the word immunizations with children. Adults also need to be immunized on a regular basis, not only for their health but the health of those around them.Adult vaccinations protect from illnesses related to influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. The National Foundation for Infectious Disease found that approximately 50,000 adults die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.

It is important to talk with your primary care physician about immunizations. Factors such as overall health, medical conditions, occupation and travel plans may influence a patient's vaccination needs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:

* Yearly influenza vaccination reduces risk and prevents the spread of flu to people whose immune systems are more vulnerable.
* One to two doses of pneumonia vaccination for smokers is highly recommended.
* Adults who reach age 65 and have never been vaccinated against pneumonia should get the immunization.
* A TdaP, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) is necessary at least three times during a person's life, with boosters of Td every ten years.
* For women 26 and younger, an HPV vaccination is recommended. Men younger than 26 can also take the Gardasil brand of HPV immunization.
* Any young adult who will be staying in a college dorm must be immunized against meningitis.
* Those who have never had chickenpox (varicella) will want to discuss this vaccination option with a doctor.
* People born in 1957 or earlier will need another dose of the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine.
* Everyone 65 and older should get immunized for Zoster, commonly known as shingles.
* Some people may also need immunization against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, depending on medical history, risk for contracting the diseases, and other factors.

To view the current CDC Adult Immunization Schedule visit http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5901-Immunization.pdf. Now is the perfect time to remind family, friends and co-workers to catch up on their vaccinations. Ask your healthcare provider if you need any vaccinations, and get answers to any questions you may have about how vaccinations work, what they're made of, and how they protect you and your family from preventable illnesses.

Civilian Health Promotion Services (CHPS) is committed to helping you balance your health and personal well-being with your professional goals and responsibilities. Our services focus on education, self-care, behavioral changes, and disease prevention. Call (801) 586-9586 or e-mail Jennifer.sedgwick@hill.af.mil to participate in one of our many services including cholesterol screening, lifestyle counseling, or wellness programs. You can also visit our website www.afmcwellness.com to view our monthly calendar of events and to access more health information.