As an adult, there are three vaccines you should be aware of and discuss
with your doctor.
Pertussis Booster Vaccine
This is a vaccine to prevent whooping cough. It turns out that the series
of shots we all received as a child, did not prove to give us a lifetime
of immunity like we thought. This is a disease that causes a terribly
annoying cough for most adults, but can kill a newborn. If you are an
expecting parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, you will want to get this
one time booster (if you have not already) before you cuddle with any
little ones.
Zostavax
This is a one-time vaccine to help prevent Shingles (Herpes Zoster). If
you had chicken pox as a kid (which is most of us born before 1995- the
year we started vaccinating for this), you are at risk for developing
this painful, blistering rash. The Chicken pox virus can stay latent in
your nervous system and when you get older or are under stress your immune
system weakens, allowing for the virus to wake up and cause a lot of pain.
The pain can last for months after the rash, it can also damage your eyesight
if it involves a nerve on your face. The recommendation is to receive
this vaccine at 60 years old but it can be given after 50 years old if
you and your doctor decide.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
This one time vaccine helps prevent the transmission of common bacteria,
Streptococcus pneumonia. These bacteria can cause pneumonia, sepsis and
meningitis; all of which can be life threatening for adults with a weak
immune system and people over 65 years old. Therefore, it is recommended
for those over 65 and young adults with certain health conditions. Be
sure to ask about these 3 vaccines at your next physical exam with your
primary care physician.
By Dr. Marcia Whalen, D.O.