Immunizations

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Ross Whitley
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
9/2/2010 - ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  According to the National Coalition for Adult Immunization, each year more than 40,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases or related complications.

"We are soon coming into the dreaded Influenza (Flu) season. Adults are encouraged to get a yearly flu shot, especially if they are 50 years or older. For persons 65 years or older, the Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) shot is also recommended," said Gayle Kenyon health educator, Altus Health and Wellness Center.

A Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) booster shot is recommended every ten years, or adults between the ages of 19-64 can replace their next booster with a Tdap shot, which is short for Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis. Tdap's are also recommended for those who work or have close contact with infants.

"It is... important for adults to maintain their immunizations as well. To reduce the risk of illness, adults should consult their physicians regarding their immunizations," said Kenyon.

Adults who didn't contract chicken pox as children are recommended the Varicella Vaccine. Those who were born after 1957 and did not receive immunizations should consider the Measles Mumps and Rubella or MMR vaccine.

The two Meningitis vaccines available in the United States are the MCV4 and the MPSV4. MCV4 is for adults through age 55, while MPSV4 is for adults 56 years or older.

"It's that time of year again when the days become busier with all the excitement and preparation of going back to school. As we all know, part of that preparation is making sure students are up to date with their immunizations. Yet, as important as childhood and adolescent immunizations are, it is easy to forget that they are not just for children," said Kenyon.

For more information contact Immunizations at 481-5409 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm https://www.cms.gov/AdultImmunizations