Adult Immunization Schedule, Part 2

This article is the second of a series on adult immunizations. As with the previous article on the topic, the following vaccines are active immunizations for adults:

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

MMR in adults who received the vaccine previously is called reactivation vaccine. Two doses of MMR, with the second dose administered after a minimum of 28 days from the first dose are given to adults. College students and those working in healthcare institutions are advised to get MMR reactivation doses. Like with the other active immunizations, the contraindications for MMR are allergy to the vaccine and recent bout of viral infection.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Initial vaccination: Otherwise healthy adults who are 65 years of age or older and adults more than or equal to 65 years old, who have diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, kidney problems, cigarette smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those who are suffering from conditions that can cause the immune defenses of the body to weaken, should get the initial pneumococcal vaccine.

Revaccination: Given 5 years after the initial vaccination. Allergy and acute illness are contraindications for the pneumococcal vaccine.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Travelers to countries with high incidence of hepatitis A, laboratory workers who are exposed to hepatitis A virus, hospital and clinic workers, persons with chronic liver disease, and those who anticipate exposure to hepatitis A virus should get the vaccine. See your personal physician for advice because there are two types of hepatitis A vaccine available in the market and the vaccines are given in two distinct or different schedules. Don’t get the vaccine if you have history of allergy to it. If you had recent viral infection, postpone the schedule.

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner, blood transfusion, sharing of needles in dangerous drugs use, at the hospital setting and the laboratory, mental institutions, correctional facilities, and exposure to family members with hepatitis B virus. Adults who are chronically ill are also advised to get the vaccine. Visit your personal doctor for advice. Hepatitis B vaccine schedules are different depending on the type of vaccine and on its manufacturer. If you have allergy to the vaccine, refrain from getting the shot. If you have history of recent viral infection, forego the shot to a future schedule.

(To be continued)