Re-Vaccinations for Adults?

In the movie Outbreak, Col. Sam Daniels, — played by duston Hoffman — is a medical researcher at the U. S. Army Medical Research Institute who has to find a way to stop the spread of a lethal virus. In real life, we there is a solution: vaccinations. More than 40,000 adults a year die from diseases they could avoid with a simple shot. Avoiding these diseases also means less risk of heart attack and stroke.

Here's a rundown on the vaccines you might need:

• Flu injection: annually; regular shot for anyone 6 months and older; high dose for 65 and older; and intradermal for those 18 to 64; a nasal spray live vaccine is for healthy people 2 to 49 (and not pregnant).
• Tetanus, diptheria and pertussis — called Tdap — in lieu of a simple Td booster; once, with a Td every 10 years; for everyone 19 to 65. Older than 65? Tdap or Td — it depends if you are in contact with an infant or not. Ask your doc.
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is for everyone 19 and older, if you haven't had the disease.
• HPV (human papiloma virus) protection for women 19 - 26; for men 19 - 21 (through 26, if doctor recommends).
• Zoster (shingles) shot for everyone 50 and older; maybe revaccination after 10 years.
• Measles, mumps, rubella; once for everyone 19 to 35, if you haven't had the disease(s).
• Pneumococcal (Pneumonia); there's a vaccine approved for everyone 50 and older; revaccination every 10 years.
• Meningococcal (meningitis); vaccine, as well as one for hepatitis A and B, if a doctor thinks it's necessary.

Remember more adults die of vaccine preventable disease in North America than from colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer or car accidents!