Yes, adults need vaccines too | Health News | stlamerican.com – St. Louis American

Many adults erroneously believe that immunizations are only for kids. However, that is simply not true. There are several vaccines that are recommended in adulthood, some which require more than one.

Many vaccines start in infancy and occur at regular intervals for the first 5 years of life. After childhood, several other immunizations are also recommended. With that being said, vaccine maintenance should be a major component of the yearly physical.

The COVID-19 pandemic should have been an excellent lesson in what can happen when there is widespread infection in our community. It is a known fact that vaccines help prevent disease. Vaccines should be a normal part of any annual wellness exam.

Fall is a great time to review recommended adult vaccines since most providers are discussing the importance of the yearly flu shot anyway. Vaccines help to prevent certain illnesses. They work by introducing your body to an antigen, which pretends to be an illness. Your bodys immune system reacts, and this response will help your body fight certain disease-causing pathogens in the future. So, what are the recommended vaccines for adults?

COVID-19: The COVID-19 virus is constantly changing. If you have been up to date with recommendations thus far, you should be on your 5th COVID-19 vaccine. Per the CDC, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths.

HPV: HPV is the human papillomavirus which causes cervical, throat, and anal cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended as a 2-dose series from ages 9-14 and a 3-dose series from ages 15-45 if you were previously unvaccinated. Unfortunately, only 24.7% of Black people are vaccinated against HPV.

Influenza: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. It is estimated that from 2019-2020, there were approximately 25,000 deaths and 390,000 hospitalizations related to influenza illnesses.

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox): Mpox is caused by a virus that is like the virus that causes smallpox. The CDC recommends vaccination against Mpox for certain populations only. For more information, go to CDC.gov.

Pneumococcal: Pneumococcal infections are caused by streptococcus bacteria and can range from ear and sinus infections to serious infections in the blood. The two distinct types of vaccines available protect against many of the pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old, people 5 through 64 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, and adults 65 years and older.

RSV: Recently the FDA approvedthe first of two vaccines for preventing RSV lower respiratory tract disease for adults at least 60 years old. This vaccine is recommended for individuals who are at increased risk. The decision to vaccinate should be discussed with your provider.

Shingrix (Shingles): Adults at least 50 years old should receive 2 doses of Shingrix, separated 2-6 months apart. Adults 19 years old or older with a weakened immune system should also receive 2 doses of Shingrix. Post-herpetic pain (PHN) is a complication of shingles, and the shingles vaccine is the only preventable treatment. Shingrix is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN.

Tdap: The Tdap vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults should receive the vaccine every 10 years. The vaccine is also important if adults will be around babies.

The COVID-19 pandemic should have been an excellent lesson in what can happen when there is widespread infection in our community. It is a known fact that vaccines help prevent disease. Vaccines should be a normal part of any annual wellness exam. We ALL have a responsibility to maintain the health and wellness of our community. Please do your part and make sure you are up to date on your immunizations!

Denise Hooks-Anderson, MD, FAAFP can be reached atyourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.

Follow this link:

Yes, adults need vaccines too | Health News | stlamerican.com - St. Louis American