Hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, shingles, and influenza are just a handful of the diseases that vaccines can prevent. Yet a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that few adults are taking advantage of these immunizations.

Among adults ages 60 and older, only about 2 percent have been immunized against shingles, a painful skin rash that can lead to complications including blindness, pneumonia, and hearing problems. The CDC survey does show some welcome news: Vaccination rates for the influenza (flu) vaccine are higher than for any other adult vaccine—69 percent of those ages 65 and older received an influenza shot during the previous flu season.

Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent disease, for both children and adults. Here is a closer look at some shots you may need.

Hepatitis A. The hepatitis A vaccine protects against liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is still widespread in many parts of the world and is the most common vaccine-preventable disease acquired by travelers. If you travel to countries where hepatitis A is common, you should be vaccinated. You should also get a shot if you have chronic liver disease or a blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia. Men who have sex with men and illegal drug users are also at high risk for hepatitis A and should get the shot, too.

Hepatitis B. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents hepatitis B, a serious liver disease, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. A series of three hepatitis B vaccines is recommended for health care workers, those who live with someone who has hepatitis B, individuals traveling to countries where hepatitis B is prevalent, those who have had more than one sexual partner in the past six months, those who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease, and those who use injectable drugs.

Influenza. The flu vaccine helps prevent the flu and lessens how serious its symptoms are if you do get the flu. An annual flu shot is recommended for all adults ages 50 and older, health care workers, those who live in long-term-care facilities, those with certain chronic illnesses, and caregivers of people who are at high risk for the flu.

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can all cause serious complications in adults. People born after 1956 should receive at least one dose of MMR. A second dose may be necessary.

Pneumococcal (PCV). The pneumococcal vaccine protects against a bacteria that can cause pneumonia. All adults ages 65 and older and those with certain chronic illnesses, including heart, kidney, liver, or lung disease, should receive a one-time shot.

Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap). The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria, two potentially deadly illnesses. The Tdap vaccine also prevents whooping cough, a dangerous infectious disease that has seen a resurgence in the U.S. during the past 10 years. Because immunity from childhood pertussis vaccination wears off, the Tdap booster vaccine was approved for use in 2005. All adults should receive a Td booster once every 10 years.

Varicella. The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox. Although you may think of chickenpox as a mild illness, it can be deadly—and the symptoms are often more serious in adults. All adults who haven’t previously been diagnosed with chickenpox or herpes zoster or who have not been previously immunized against chickenpox should get this shot.

Zoster. A new vaccine for herpes zoster (shingles) was approved in 2006. The vaccine prevents shingles in about 50 percent of those who are vaccinated and can lessen the severe pain associated with a complication of shingles. All people ages 60 and older should receive a single dose of herpes zoster vaccine.

See How Much You Know
You may know a lot about adult immunizations, but do you know enough? Test yourself at www.paramounthealthcare.com. Click on “Better Health for Life,” “Interactive Tools,” “Quizzes,” and then “Adult Immunizations Quiz.”