Adult Immunization Schedule, Part 3

“The greatest wealth is health.” Publius Virgilius Maro or Virgil (October 15, 70 BC – September 21, 19 BC), ancient Roman poet

Zoster “Herpes zoster or anti-shingles” vaccine

Adults who are 60 years of age regardless of whether they had a previous history of herpes zoster or none, should get vaccinated against shingles. Specific precautions should be observed to those who have acute illness with or without fever. Don’t get the shot if you are allergic to it.

Meningococcal vaccine

Meningococcemia is a disease caused by bacteria Neisseria meningitides. It results to the swelling of brain tissues (meningitis) and may spread to other organs of the body through the blood stream. Military recruits, institutionalized individuals, and those in unsanitary and over-crowded quarters are susceptible in getting the disease. People who intend to travel or live in countries that have epidemic or are hyper-endemic with meningococcemia should get inoculated against the disease.

The vaccines against meningococcemia are of two types: conjugate vaccine and polysaccharide vaccine. Only one vaccine type is needed. The vaccine is given through subcutaneous injection, 0.5 ml for 1 or more doses, depending on the body’s reaction to develop antibodies against meningococcemia. Specific precautions are necessary to those who have had recent viral infection. Postpone, if you were recently sick. If you have allergy to the vaccine, don’t get it.

The 2016 Dengue vaccine

On December 21, 2015, the Philippines became the first Asian country to approve Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine. The vaccine’s registered name is Dengvaxia. This means that this year, immunization against the deadly Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is now made available for public consumption after 20 years of laboratory research, tests, and studies. The vaccine is given through three injections at intervals of six months. The aforesaid French pharmaceutical company that issued the vaccine claims that the vaccine efficacy rates vary from 50% to 78% depending on the causal viral strains.

Other vaccines

Animal handlers and veterinary practitioners should get anti-rabies vaccine. Hepatitis C vaccine is also available for health workers and occupational workers who are potentially in danger of getting Hepatitis C. See your family doctor if you have other concerns about preventive immunizations.