Understanding the Essentials of Adult Vaccination in maintaining long-term Health

Understanding the Essentials of Adult Vaccination  in maintaining long-term Health 

Vaccines like tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) require booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity, say experts at Fortis Ludhiana 

 Ludhiana, August 2024: August marks National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), a time dedicated to emphasizing the importance of vaccination for individuals of all ages. Experts say while most of us understand the importance of childhood vaccinations in protecting us from serious ailments, there’s often a lot of myths associated with adulthood vaccination  

 Dr. Piyush Harchand, Associate Consultant - Internal Medicine, Fortis Ludhiana, debunks the myths,  

: “As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making us more susceptible to certain diseases. The protection provided by some childhood vaccines can also diminish over time, necessitating booster shots. New vaccines are also developed to protect against diseases we may encounter as adults. Plus, immunization is also pivotal in safeguarding public health.” 

 Here are more pointers on why adult immunization should be everyone’s priority: 

 Booster Shots: Vaccines like tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) require booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity 

• New Threats: New vaccines, such as those developed for COVID-19, are created to address emerging health threats 
• Changing Risks: As adults, we may engage in activities that increase our risk for certain diseases. Travel to new regions can expose us to unfamiliar illnesses, and certain workplace environments may pose specific health risks 

Benefits of Adult Immunization 

• Disease Prevention: Vaccines are the most effective method to prevent serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses 
• Reduced Severity: Even if you contract a vaccine-preventable disease, vaccination can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and complications 
• Herd Immunity: By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons 

 
Let’s explore the essential vaccines that adults should consider: 

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: The flu vaccine is recommended annually for all adults to protect against changing flu strains. It's especially crucial for older adults, those with chronic conditions, and pregnant women due to the risk of severe illness 
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, with adults recommended to receive a booster every 10 years. Pregnant women should also get the vaccine during each pregnancy to safeguard their newborns from pertussis 
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and older to reduce the risk of developing shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and its potential long-term complications 
• Pneumococcal Vaccines: There are two pneumococcal vaccines, PCV13 and PPSV23, that protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Adults aged 65 and older, and younger adults with specific health conditions, are recommended to receive these vaccines 
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: The HPV vaccine is recommended for all adults up to age 26 and protects against human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts. Adults aged 27 to 45 may also be eligible based on their risk factors 
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, with the vaccine recommended for at-risk adults, including healthcare workers and individuals with chronic liver disease. Vaccination is also advised for travelers to areas where hepatitis B is prevalent 

Certain groups need to pay special attention to vaccinations. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, should prioritize vaccines like the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccines, and the shingles vaccine. Pregnant women are advised to receive specific vaccines, such as Tdap and the flu vaccine, to protect both themselves and their babies. Travelers might require additional vaccines based on their destination, including those for hepatitis A, typhoid, or yellow fever. Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory conditions, should ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, as they may be at higher risk for complications from certain diseases. However, the vaccinations should be administered only post consultation with the doctor.