Adult Immunizations
You're never too old for shots!
Immunizations are not just for children. Adults need to receive immunizations as well. Each year thousands of adults are infected with vaccine-preventable diseases. According to the National Coalition for Adult Immunization, more than 40,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases or their complications. To reduce the risk of illness, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District recommends the following immunizations for adults:
Influenza (Flu): One dose yearly for all adults, especially persons 50 years and older. Recommendation may change yearly depending on availability of vaccine.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia): One dose at age 65 or older. It is also recommended for persons less than 65 years who have chronic illnesses with revaccination at age 65.
Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td): Booster every 10 years for all adults.
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap): Single dose for persons 19-64 years of age to replace next booster dose of Td. Also for adults who have close contact with infants less than 12 months old. This vaccine protects against the following diseases in adults:
- Tetanus - causes painful tightening of the muscles all over the body.
- Diphtheria - causes a thick covering in the back of the throat which can lead to breathing problems.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. This vaccine is recommended for adults with small children or those adults that will be exposed to small children.
Hepatitis A (Hep A): Two doses at least 6 months apart for adults at-risk.
Hepatitis B (Hep B): Three doses (begin first dose/second dose 1 month later/third dose 5 months after second dose) for adults at-risk.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): One dose recommended for adults born in 1957 or later if that person was not previously immunized. (Second dose is required in some work and all school settings.)
Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses given 4 weeks apart are recommended for persons 13 and older who have not had chickenpox.
Meningococcal (Meningitis): Two meningococcal vaccines are available in the United States: 1) Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) for adults 56 years and above, and; 2) Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) for adults through age 55. Both vaccines can prevent four strains of meningococcal disease, including 2 of the 3 types most common in the United States and a type that causes epidemics in Africa. Revaccination after 5 years might be indicated for adults previously vaccinated with MPSV4 who remain at high risk for infection (e.g., persons residing in areas in which disease is epidemic).
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine: A series of three doses recommended for women through age 26. Ideally, vaccine should be administered before potential exposure to HPV through sexual activity; however, females who are sexually active should still be vaccinated. Sexually active females who have not been infected with any of the HPV vaccine types receive the full benefit of the vaccination. Vaccination is less beneficial for females who have already been infected with one or more of the HPV vaccine types.
Herpes Zoster Vaccine: A single dose of zoster vaccine is recommended for adults aged >60 years regardless of whether they report a prior episode of herpes zoster. Persons with chronic medical conditions may be vaccinated unless a contraindication or precaution exists for their condition.
