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Adult Immunization: It’s your best shot
Madison--Each year adults in Wisconsin needlessly suffer from diseases that are easily prevented by safe and effective vaccines. The Department of Health and Family Services is reminding adults to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date.
"All too often, people think immunizations are for children, but the reality is that there are many diseases that affect adults that can be prevented by vaccines," said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health officer.
"Immunizations are a good investment for everyone. By keeping people from getting or spreading a disease, they help reduce needless suffering with illness, pain, and expensive treatments."
If you have any preexisting conditions or are considered at-risk, consult with your health care provider for the appropriate immunization schedule. For all others adults, the following immunizations are recommended:
o Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis Vaccine--revaccination is recommended every 10 years.
o Influenza (Flu) Vaccine--recommended every year.
o Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine--vaccination is recommended for persons over age 65.
o Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MM-R) Vaccine--some persons born after 1956 may require a second measles vaccination.
o Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine--those born after 1980 may require a second vaccination.
o Meningococcal Vaccine--recommended for college freshman living in dormitories.
Vaccines are among the safest medical products available. Some common side effects are a sore arm or low grade fever. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with the diseases these vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves.
"As we approach the time of year that we begin seeing people becoming ill with seasonal influenza, it is a great time for everyone, adults and children alike, to make sure that they are up-to-date with their shots," said Johnson.
For more information regarding immunizations for adults, children, and adolescents, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/index.htm.
