Vaccination is an integral component of overall preventive care. Unfortunately, many people wrongly think that vaccines are only for children. The truth is that even adults need vaccination. The vaccines that adults require can vary depending on age, travel plans, and lifestyle among other factors. Therefore, it is imperative for you to keep in touch with a reliable immunization expert such as E. Martin Maida, MD, to ensure that you get the necessary help insofar as immunization is concerned. Below are some of the reasons why adults may require immunization.
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Some Vaccines Need a Boost
You may have been immunized as a child, but that does not mean that you will always be protected. In some cases, protection may not be life-long. Examples of such cases include immunization against tetanus or whooping cough. It may be recommended that you take the vaccines every ten years after a series of several childhood shots.
Some Vaccines are Only for Adults
Some vaccines such as the shingles vaccine are only necessary for adults. Shingles are usually caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It usually leads to a severely painful skin rash. Ordinarily, the risk of getting shingles increases with age. As such, the vaccine is generally recommended for adults above the age of sixty.
Immunization May Be Necessary When you Have to Travel
If you are planning to travel to a developing country, then you may be at risk of some illnesses that you would never find in the United States. For instance, if you are traveling to some sub-Saharan African countries such as Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda, then you may need to get vaccinated against yellow fever. If you want to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, you will need to take a vaccine against meningococcal. It is wise for you to check CDC for the kind of vaccination that you need to take depending on your destination.
Immunization Keeps Evolving
The field of immunization is not static; it keeps evolving as new medical information emerges. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find adults being advised to take newly developed vaccines. For instance, in the year 2006, the FDA approved the first shingles and HPV vaccines, and adults now may have to go for these shots.
Chronic Illnesses
If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, or lung disease, or you have a compromised immune system, the pneumococcal vaccine can go a long way to help prevent you from getting a severe disease such as blood infection, meningitis, or even pneumonia.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that the role of vaccination in preventive care cannot be overemphasized. It is also clear that contrary to popular belief, vaccines are not just for children. Adults can benefit from vaccines in a number of ways. Therefore, no matter what your age may be, it is wise for you to stay in touch with your doctor for you to know what vaccines are necessary for you. If you are looking for a reliable internist offering immunization services for adults in Livingstone, NJ, E. Martin Maida, MD, is an excellent choice for you to consider.