Ask your provider for an immunization record, and be sure to bring it with you every time you visit your doctor so it can be reviewed and updated each time you are immunized. U.S. Public Health Service recommendations clearly identify people who are at risk for these diseases and who should be immunized to prevent these diseases and their complications. Consult your healthcare provider or local health department regarding your own immunization status and recommendations for immunizations. Some of these illnesses, once contracted, do not have a cure, and all may cause tremendous health problems or even death. Vaccines are some of the safest medicines available, are very effective, and can relieve suffering costs related to these preventable diseases for us all.
All adults require tetanus and diphtheria immunizations.
Adults born after 1956 need to be immunized against measles, mumps and rubella. All adults aged 65 or older, as well as persons aged 2-64 years who have diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disorders need protection against pneumococcal disease, and should consult their health care providers regarding their need for this shot. Influenza vaccination is recommended for adults 50 years of age or older, pregnant women and residents of long-term care facilities, as well as for persons older than 6 months of age who have chronic illness and persons 6 months 18 years of age who receive chronic aspirin therapy. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults in certain high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers and persons with multiple sex partners. Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for all adolescents who may not have received it during infancy or childhood.