Adult Immunizations 1994
Authors: Task Force On Adult Immunization
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1994)

Editorials1 October 1994Adult Immunizations 1994Task Force On Adult ImmunizationTask Force On Adult ImmunizationSearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-121-7-199410010-00012 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail An estimated 50 000 to 70 000 deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease, influenza, or hepatitis B infection occur yearly among adults in the United States. Annual mortality rates from infections potentially preventable by adult vaccines exceed those from automobile crashes or the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Well-supported and well-organized pediatric immunization programs have reduced the overall burden of preventable infections in children to new worldwide lows. In contrast, the current use of vaccines in targeted adult groups is only 40% for influenza, 20% for pneumococcal disease, and 10% for hepatitis B infection [1]. Hepatitis B infection bears the dubious distinction of ...References1. Gardner P, Schaffner W. Immunization of adults. N Engl J Med. 1993; 328:1252-8. Google Scholar2. American College of Physicians Task Force on Adult Immunization, Infectious Diseases Society of America. Guide for Adult Immunization. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians; 1994. Google Scholar3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update on adult immunization. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1991; 40:1-94. Google Scholar4. National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Canadian Immunization Guide. 4th ed. Ottawa, Canada; 1993. Google Scholar5. Shapiro ED, Berg AT, Austrian R, Schroeder D, Parcells V, Margolis A, et al. The protective efficacy of polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. N Engl J Med. 1991; 325:1453-60. Google Scholar6. Ballestra DJ, Littenberg B. Should adult tetanus immunization be given as a single vaccination at age 65? A cost-effectiveness analysis. J Gen Intern Med. 1993; 8:405-12. Google Scholar7. Hadler SC, Margolis HS. Hepatitis B immunization: vaccine types, efficacy, and indications for immunization. In: Remington JS, Swartz MN, eds. Current Clinical Topics in Infectious Diseases. Boston: Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1992:282-308. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: American College of Physicians: Pierce Gardner, MD, Chair; Marie Griffin, MD, MPH; Peter Gross, MD; F. Marc LaForce, MD. Infectious Diseases Society of America: William Schaffner, MD, and Theodore Eickhoff, MD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Raymond Strikas, MD.Through grants received from SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Connaught Laboratories, Lederle-Praxis Biologicals, and Merck and Company, the American College of Physicians could provide a large portion of its membership with complimentary copies of the Guide for Adult Immunization. Recipients of the Guide included active members in internal medicine and related subspecialties in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If you did not receive a copy of the Guide, would like to purchase additional copies, or are not a member of the College and would like to purchase a copy, please call ACP Customer Service at 1-800-523-1546, extension 2600.—The Editor PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byBrief report: Quality of ambulatory care for women and men in the veterans affairs health care systemDefense mechanisms against infectionsVacuna antineumocócica. Antiguas controversias y nuevas indicaciones (I)Respiratory infections: Community-acquired pneumonia and newer microbes 1 October 1994Volume 121, Issue 7Page: 540-541KeywordsDiphtheriaEpidemiologyHepatitis BInfectious diseasesInfectious hepatitisMedical risk factorsSub-specialty careTetanusToxoidsVaccines ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 1 October 1994 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1994 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...