This is especially important for older adults, since they have thinner skin and may be more vulnerable to tetanus-infected cuts and puncture wounds. Call your healthcare provider if you have a puncture wound or injury that breaks the skin and you have not had a tetanus immunization or booster in 5 years. If you are traveling to areas that have polio or hepatitis A, you will need to be immunized for these even if you already were as a child. Any time you are leaving the country, ask your healthcare provider about any extra immunizations you should have. This is important for people of all ages, but especially so for older adults who may not survive the illness related to these diseases.
Immunizations can sometimes have mild side effects like fever or soreness.
However, it's generally well worth the discomfort to get the protection. Ask your healthcare provider what to expect after receiving an immunization and follow his or her instructions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set up several hotlines that provide immunization information by phone, fax, or mail. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.