Vaccines — Good for Adults, Too

Monday, December 04, 2006

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Vaccines — credited with eradicating diseases such as diphtheria, polio and measles in the United States — sometimes still get a bad rap.

Some people believe that they aren't effective or may cause dangerous side effects. Some say they are no longer needed because most vaccine-preventable diseases are no longer a major threat. Some think vaccinations are just for children.

According to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, those beliefs are largely based on myth.

It's true that vaccines aren't 100 percent effective. But most routine childhood vaccinations reduce the likelihood of illness by 85 percent or more. During an outbreak, some who have been vaccinated still may develop the illness. However, they usually have a milder case.

The most common side effects from vaccines are minor and temporary — such as a mild fever or soreness at the injection site.

And, vaccines are still necessary. Diseases now rare in the United States are still common elsewhere, and they are just a plane ride away. Vaccines aren't just for kids, either. Talk with your doctor about vaccinations that might benefit your health.

Adult vaccinations include:

Influenza: This vaccination is recommended annually for adults age 50 and older, adults with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, health care workers and those in contact with young children.

Pneumonia: It's recommended for adults age 65 and older and those with a chronic illness, a weakened immune system or those whose spleen has been removed.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus and diphtheria (Td): Tdap is recommended especially for adults ages 19 to 64 and for those in contact with small children.

Measles, mumps and rubella: It's recommended for adults born after 1956 who weren't vaccinated as children.

Chickenpox: If you haven't had chickenpox or shingles, this is recommended.

Meningitis: This is recommended for adults at high risk because of a weakened immune system, for those traveling to certain countries; or during a community outbreak, for example, on a college campus.

Hepatitis A: It's recommended for adults with chronic liver disease, those who've been exposed to someone with the disease, or those traveling to certain countries.

Hepatitis B: If you've been exposed to infected blood or body fluids, use injected drugs or have multiple sex partners, this vaccine is recommended.

Shingles: One dose is recommended for adults 60 and older.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): Three doses over six months are recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26.

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient come first." More than 3,700 physicians, scientists and researchers and 50,100 allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has sites in Rochester, Minn; Jacksonville, Fla; and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. and community based providers in more than 70 locations in Southern Minn., Western Wis. and Northeast Iowa. These locations treat more than half a million people each year. To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.