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Hackensack University Medical Center

" IMMUNIZATION Q & As "

From The Desk Of

Peter A. Gross, M.D.

Department of Medicine

Infectious Disease

(1) Are There Vaccines that protect against preventable diseases for adults?

Yes! Immunizations are readily available for such common adult illnesses as Influenza (flu), Pneumococcal pneumonia and hepatitis B. In addition, Vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella (German Measles), tetanus, and diphtheria are needed by some adults. US Public Health Servie recommendations clearly identify people at risk who need their shots. Consult your physician or local health department regarding your immunization status and recommendations. Some other vaccine-preventable diseases include hepatitis A, Yellow fever and Typhoid fever; vaccines for these illnesses often are recommended for international travelers

(2) How often do I need to be immunized?

Immunizations for Pneumococcal Pneumonia (except for patients at particular risk for pneumococcal disorders), measles, mumps, and rubella usually are administered once, and may protect you for life. Some persons born in or after 1957 may require a second measles vaccination. Influenza vaccine must be administered yearly due to the appearance of new strains of virus which are resistant to previous vaccines. Immunization for tetanus and diptheria must be supplemented with a "booster shot" about every ten years. Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three doses. Presently, no boosters are routinely recommended.