Vaccinations aren’t just for kids anymore.
Vaccinations are completed in childhood. At least that is what most of us thought. If you received all of the recommended vaccinations as a child, you could avoid painful and possible lethal diseases. But experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are encouraging adults to seek supplementary immunizations. Why? According to statistics given by the CDC, a rise in many of the “childhood” diseases is the reason.
The Tdap booster is one of the vaccinations experts are encouraging adults to get. This booster prevents whooping cough (also known as Pertussis), diphtheria, and tetanus. The usual recommendation has indicated that a shot every ten years is necessary. Some doctors are encouraging patients who have not received this shot in the last three years to get it now. Most people receive the Td shot when it is time for their ten year dose. Experts say you should request the Tdap instead. A resurgence of whooping cough is the reason. In the year 2005, over 25,500 cases were reported. Only Tdap protects against this illness.
The MMR vaccine is meant to prevent mumps, measles, and rubella. The majority of individuals in this country have been immunized against these illnesses. But the version given to people between 1957 and 1967 may not have been effective enough to provide lifelong protection. It is suggested that any individuals falling within this category seek this immunization immediately. A rise in the reported cases of the mumps is the cause of concern. Instead of the usual 300 cases seen a year in this country, the year 2006 saw 5800 cases.
Zostavax, a newer vaccine available, is intended to prevent shingles and postherpetic neraglia (PHN). Shingles is a painful, blistering rash in people that have had chicken pox at some point in their lives. This can develop into the severe pain known as PHN. The Zostavax vaccination will prevent this illness. People over the age of 60 are being urged to get this vaccination. And if you have never had the chicken pox, then you are urged to get the vaccination to prevent that disease that could cause you to develop Shingles and PHN later in life.
