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With advances in medicine, many deadly diseases have been eradicated through widespread vaccination programs. However, vaccines don’t just protect children – getting recommended vaccines is equally important for adults as well. As we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more susceptible to diseases we were vaccinated against as children. Adult vaccines market help boost our immunity and keep us protected.
Common Vaccines for Adults
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Tetanus causes painful muscle spasms and is fatal in about 10-20% of cases. Diphtheria leads to respiratory issues and heart failure. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is highly contagious and causes severe coughing spells. All three diseases can be prevented through the Tdap vaccine, which is recommended as a booster shot every 10 years for adults.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Even though measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks still occur due to declining vaccination rates. Adults born after 1957 should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine to protect against these highly contagious diseases.
Pneumococcal
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria cause conditions like pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. There are two pneumococcal vaccines available – PCV13 for all adults and PPSV23 recommended for those over 65 and immunocompromised individuals.
Zoster
The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. A reactivation of the dormant virus, shingles is extremely painful and the risk increases with age. The Shingrix vaccine provides over 90% protection against shingles for older adults.
Influenza
Yearly flu vaccines are crucial for adults as influenza can lead to serious medical complications like pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. Higher-risk groups like seniors, pregnant women, healthcare workers, etc should especially make sure to get a flu shot annually.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection while Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Recommended vaccinations based on risk factors help prevent these viral hepatitis strains.
Who Should Consider Adult Vaccination?
– Individuals travelling outside the country to areas with greater disease risk should review recommended travel vaccines.
– College students living in dorms are at increased risk of mumps and meningitis, so relevant boosters are advised.
– Healthcare workers must maintain protective levels of HepB, MMR, Tdap, and annual flu immunization.
– Adults with certain chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma are more vulnerable to flu and pneumonia.
– People with weak immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplants need additional precautions.
– Anyone over 65 requires pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines to maintain immunity as part of regular senior care.
– Pregnant women should get an influenza shot and Tdap during each pregnancy to shield both mother and newborn.
Safety of Adult Vaccines
Common misconceptions around side effects and safety prevent some adults from staying up-to-date. However, extensive clinical testing and decades of post-approval monitoring have established that modern vaccines are largely safe and effectively prevent dangerous diseases. Minor side effects like soreness, redness or fever are usually temporary and a small price to pay for robust protection. The health risks of foregoing vaccination far outweigh any potential adverse effects.
Need for Increased Awareness
Despite evidence that vaccines save millions of lives worldwide each year, many at-risk adults remain under-vaccinated due to lack of awareness about recommended schedules. There is an urgent need for educating the public and healthcare providers about the importance of vaccination throughout adulthood. Employers can help by offering on-site flu shot clinics. Doctors should screen patients at annual checkups. Government must improve access through expanded insurance coverage and community outreach programs. We all have a role to play in protecting our communities from preventable illnesses through simple acts of vaccination.
In conclusion, timely immunization according to CDC guidelines at every stage of life plays a critical part in long-term health and wellness. By understanding vaccination needs as an adult, staying current with routine preventive care, and supporting local public health efforts, we can help achieve immunity levels necessary to curb outbreaks.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
