Many of our patients use the summer months to catch up on routine health screenings–gyn exams, dental cleanings, physicals–which is great.  Despite this motivation to get healthy, however, I have noticed that when it comes to vaccinations, many patients are unaware, or uninterested, in taking care of this very important–and effective–step in preventing disease.  The development of vaccines has been one of the most important and cost-effective public health initiatives of the past century, saving untold numbers of lives worldwide from now-preventable disease.  Ironically, this success has caused some vaccine apathy in our population, as many once-deadly diseases are simply off our radar and do not seem to pose an immediate threat.

The American Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) releases new vaccine updates annually, and occasionally more frequently.  CDC researchers recently analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey and found that for at least six vaccines recommended for adults by the ACIP, the rates of coverage were far below the goals of the Healthy People 2020 targets (this is a national collaborative effort to reduce disease and promote health in America).

So, what vaccines should you be getting?  Here is a general list of vaccines recommended for a healthy adult:

1.  First of all, all adults should get a tetanus shot every 10 years, and a Tdap (Tetanus and Pertussis, or whooping cough) shot at least once.  In addition, pregnant women should be getting the Tdap shot in the third trimester of EVERY pregnancy, regardless of previous immunization status–this will protect you and your newborn from whooping cough, which can be deadly (it is usually recommended that any close contacts of your newborn also be up to date on this immunization).

2.  Flu shots are now universally recommended for everyone, healthy or not (this not only protects you, but contributes to “herd immunity”, reducing the likelihood of spreading disease through a community).

3.  Shingles vaccination is recommended for all adults over age 60, even if you have had the shingles, even if you think you have never had the chicken pox.

4.  Two pneumonia vaccines are recommended for all adults over age 65.  One or two pneumonia shots are also recommended for younger people who are smokers or have chronic lung diseases (including asthma) or certain other chronic diseases (including Diabetes, liver disease, congestive heart failure).

5.  MMR/Varicella (Chickenpox)–vaccination is recommended is you were born after 1957 and have not been previously vaccinated.  Some OBs recommend getting screened for titers for these diseases prior to conception, so women planning to conceive can get vaccinated safely ahead of time, reducing the risk of contracting these diseases while pregnant.

6.  Gardasil (HPV) vaccination with the 2-, 4-, or new 9-valent vaccine is recommended for all girls/women from age 9-26 to prevent cervical cancer (those who were previously vaccinated with the 2- or 4-valent vaccines do not have to repeat the series with the 9-valent version, because all of the vaccines protect against the highest-risk HPV strains, 16 and 18).  Cervical cancer is still a significant cause of death worldwide; the development of this vaccine is a remarkable modern vaccine success story.

7.  Hepatitis B may be considered for those who are sexually active, and is recommended for healthcare workers, as this liver disease can be spread through exposure to contaminated blood and body fluids.

This is by no means a comprehensive list; certain other vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio are recommended for travel to certain countries, or under other circumstances.  And there are some people with health conditions or allergies that are contraindications to some/all of the above vaccines, so it is best to have a conversation with your provider about what YOU need.  The takeaway point is that vaccines have changed the face of disease in our world, and they continue to be a valuable component of your efforts to maintain good health.  Be sure to round up your immunization records ahead of your next physical, so you and your physician can make sure you are up to date.