Not Just for Kids: Vaccines for Adults
New Shingles Vaccine Available for Seniors
Vaccinations are just as important for
grownups as they are for kids. We’ve all
heard about the importance of flu shots.
In addition, recent outbreaks of mumps
and whooping cough, as well as new
vaccines for shingles and other maladies,
have prompted the government to
update guidelines for adult vaccinations.
It’s ultimately your choice; however, the
information below may help you decide
which vaccines are right for you.
Shingles. A vaccine now cuts the risk of developing shingles, or herpes zoster, a painful rash that can appear on the face or body years after a person has had chickenpox. This vaccine currently is approved for adults age 60 and older. In fact, the vaccination advisory committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people in that age range receive this new vaccine.
If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’re a candidate for shingles. They’re both caused by the same virus. Once this virus enters your system, it’s there to stay. Illness, trauma, or stress—or sometimes nothing at all—can “awaken” the virus. Anyone can get shingles, but it’s most common in adults older than age 50.
The first symptoms of shingles are usually pain, burning, tingling, or itching. A few days later, a red rash of fluid-filled blisters appears. The rashes usually appear in clusters spanning one side of the body or circling the waist.
However, if shingles appears on the face, serious—and sometimes permanent— vision and hearing problems can occur. In addition, shingles sometimes will leave behind post-herpetic neuralgia (pain persisting after an episode of shingles). This severe pain is caused by damage to the affected nerve fibers. Headaches and facial paralysis may accompany the pain.
Shingles usually heals by itself within a month. However, to help speed up the healing process and avoid complications, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Prescription pain relievers, ointments, and other medications can provide relief. Your doctor also can recommend nonprescription pain relievers and self-care measures that might lessen discomfort.
A study cited by the CDC’s committee showed that the new vaccine reduced the occurrence of shingles by about 50 percent and post-herpetic neuralgia by 67 percent. While the ability for the vaccine to prevent shingles declined with age, the vaccine reduced the risk for chronic pain among those older vaccinated persons who still developed shingles.
Mumps. A recent outbreak of mumps, a virus that can result in deafness and arthritis, spurred a new recommendation. Adults should get one or two shots, depending on their risk. The risk factors for mumps include being a college student, international traveler, or health care worker. Exposure to a community outbreak also can increase your risk.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap). A new vaccine called Tdap now protects adults against pertussis— also called whooping cough—as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Adults ages 19 through 64 should substitute a dose of Tdap for their next regular booster shot for tetanus and diphtheria.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a disease that can cause cervical cancer. A new vaccine protects young women against the two types of HPV responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Ideally, a girl should get an HPV vaccine by age 11 or 12, but the vaccine also is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 13 and 26.
Flu. As frequently reported in Regarding Women, health experts recommend a yearly flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine to protect against the flu. The best time to get your shot is in October or November, but January or even February isn’t too late.
