By Sue Danielson

August is National Immunization Awareness Month: Vaccines are not Just for Kids

Adult vaccination rates in the U.S. are extremely low. Each year, thousands of adults needlessly suffer illness, are hospitalized, and even die as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases. Most adults are not even aware that they need vaccines. There are many missed opportunities for vaccination because many health care professionals are not routinely assessing vaccination status at appointments. Most people will get vaccinated if their health care provider recommends it.

All adults need vaccines to protect their health against common diseases that can be serious. There are four things to consider in determining which vaccines are recommended for you:

• every adult needs (influenza, Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap, TD booster) vaccines


• your age


• your health conditions, lifestyle, or job


• international travel

Based on your age, health conditions, vaccines you received as a child, and other factors, you may need additional vaccines, such as:

• chickenpox


• hepatitis A


• hepatitis B


• human papillomavirus (HPV)


• MMR


• Meningococcal


• pneumococcal


• shingles

Protect your health and the health of those around you by getting the recommended vaccines. Vaccines can reduce your chance of getting sick. Can you afford to get sick and miss school or work?  Some people do not get vaccinated for fear of vaccine safety. Vaccines are tested before being licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA continue to monitor vaccines after they are licensed. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects include: soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Severe side effects are rare. 

Don’t wait. Vaccinate. For more information, contact health services at ext. 3806 or scdanielson@viterbo.edu