Universal vaccination is recommended for these bacterial infections. Primary vaccination is usually given in childhood, and adults are recommended to have a routine booster vaccine every ten years, or a booster dose after five years in case of a dirty wound. Some cases of bacterial meningitis can be prevented by meningococcal meningitis vaccine. At increased risk are students, living in dormitories on college campuses, students who frequent bars, drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, and particularly freshmen. Immunity to chickenpox can be measured by blood titers.
Influenza causes epidemics resulting in disease and death in susceptible individuals each winter.
The vaccine is recommended for everyone but is especially important for people with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, diabetes, sickle cell disease, pregnant women, AIDS patients, and others. Since this is NOT a live virus vaccine, it cannot cause the flu. Optimal times for injection are October to December. This vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to areas of high incidence of hepatitis A, eg, underdeveloped countries, institutions. Men who have sex with men are also advised to obtain the vaccine because of higher risk.