ADULT VACCINATION: WHY YOU NEED YOUR SHOTS

Ask five of your friends if they are up to date on their immunizations, and the response you will most likely hear is : "Adults need vaccines?" Yes - and the sooner the better, experts say. Many adults assume they are already immunized against certain illnesses because they were vaccinated regularly as children. Trouble is, some vaccinations wear off - unlike the immunity you attain from having an actual disease, which usually lasts a lifetime. Here are vaccines the CDC recommends for women ages 19 and older. Your doctor can help you decide which ones fit your personal health needs.

1. Tdap Vaccine: Tetanus, Dephtheria and Pertussis

It protects you from tetanus and diphtheria. Due to recent outbreaks of pertussis, protection against the virus was added to this vaccine in 2005. A single dose of Tdap is folled by a booster every 10 years.

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine

This severe liver disease is transmitted through contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. There are three shots total - an initial vaccine, one shot a month later, and another four months after that.

3. Hepatitis A Vaccine

The hepatitis A virus is usually spread by what's called the fecal-oral route: when the stool of an infected person comes into contact with another's mouth, including in food and water. The initial vaccine is followed by one more inoculation six months later.

4. Pneumococcal (PPSV) Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can result in long-term problems like brain damage, hearing loss, limb loss or death. This vaccine is very good at preventing severe cases and hospitalization, but it's not guaranteed to prevent infection and symptoms in all people. A one-time shot for people 65 years and older; two shots for those aged 19-64 with certain health problems.

5. Influenza Vaccine

Influenza is a highly infectious respiratory infection that kills 36,000 Americans each year. Spread easily through coughs and sneezes, it's also transmitted by touching a contaminated object, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. The vaccine is updated every year to protect against new flu strains.

6. HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV is actually a group of viruses that includes 100 different strains, 40 of which are sexually transmitted. About 20 million Americans are now infected with HPV, and another 6 million become infected each year, according to the CDC. For both females and males, three shots are needed - an initial shot followed by a second one 1-2 months later, and the third dose six months after the first.

7. MMR Vaccine: Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Measles is still a common disease in many parts of the world, and outbreaks are common. It's spread by breathing in the virus, when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. Rubella can cause miscarriage in pregnanat women or serious birth defects in their fetuses. One shot is required after age 50. If you're 19-49 years old, you'll need one shot and possibly another 28 days later.

8. Varicella Vaccine

About 8-9 of every 10 people who are vaccinated are completely immunized against chicken pox. If a vaccinated person does get the disease, it is usually a very mild case. Two shots are required - an initial vaccination with a second shot 4-8 weeks later.

9. Zoster Vaccine

If you've had chicken pox, you can develop shingles, a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Shingles occurs most commonly in people 50 years or older and those with medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly or who take immunosuppressive drugs. One shot is required.

source; http://www.lifescript.com/