New Vaccines for Adults
In recent years, researchers have developed several new vaccines recommended for adults. Through advances in medical research and vaccine technology, scientists now better understand how to protect adults against serious diseases they may face. Vaccines help prevent diseases that can be dangerous for adults such as pneumonia, shingles and hepatitis.
One such Adult Vaccinesis the recombinant shingles vaccine. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 years and older even if they had chickenpox as a child. This is because the virus remains inactive in nerve cells and can reactivate decades later, causing a case of shingles. The shingles vaccine is particularly important as the risk for developing shingles and its complications increases with age.
Researchers have also developed vaccines for pneumococcal disease, more commonly known as pneumonia. There are now two pneumococcal vaccines available for adults - Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13. Pneumovax 23 helps protect against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria while Prevnar 13 protects against 13 of the most common types. Pneumonia is a leading cause of illness and death among adults. The pneumococcal vaccines greatly lower the risk of potentially fatal pneumococcal pneumonia as well as less serious pneumococcal infections like sinusitis and ear infections.
Adults also need vaccinations to protect against dangerous liver infections. Hepatitis A and B are serious diseases caused by hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water while Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood and other body fluids. Effective and safe vaccines exist to prevent both Hepatitis A and B. High risk adults such as health care workers should especially consider getting the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Recommended Vaccines for Different Age Groups of Adults
While all adults need recommended immunizations, vaccine needs vary depending on age. Below are the specific vaccines public health experts suggest for different adult age groups:
Young Adults (19-49 years): In addition to making sure their childhood vaccines are up-to-date, young adults need vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal disease. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and a major cause of cervical cancer as well as other cancers. The meningococcal vaccine helps prevent a potentially fatal bacterial meningitis.
Middle-Aged Adults (50-64 years): Individuals in this age group require vaccines for shingles, pneumonia and a booster dose of the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine every 10 years. As described earlier, the risk for shingles increases sharply after age 50. Whooping cough remains a threat to adults as immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time without occasional boosters.
Older Adults (65 years and over): Seniors need an annual flu shot to reduce their high risk of serious flu complications. They also require a one-time dose of the pneumococcal vaccine if they have not received it already after age 65. Since immunity from childhood and earlier adult vaccines diminishes with age, older adults should check with their doctor to ensure they are up-to-date on all routinely recommended immunizations.
The Value of Immunization Throughout Adulthood
While vaccines save millions of lives worldwide each year, many adults remain under-immunized and susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health prevention strategies. However, immunization rates drop dramatically after childhood. Many adults incorrectly think they no longer need vaccinations once past childhood. This leaves populations vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like measles and pertussis that were once well controlled.
Wider adult immunization could have significant benefits. Modeling studies indicate that achieving recommended adult immunization rates in the U.S. could prevent more than 120,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 early deaths annually. Beyond direct health benefits, more complete adult immunization promises reduced missed work and healthcare expenses as well. With life expectancies rising globally, immunizations throughout life are essential for public health. All adults now need appropriate immunizations to protect themselves as they age and also help prevent the spread of infectious diseases among communities.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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