Immunizations

For Healthy Adults

Measles

Adults born after 1956 if not previously immunized with the live vaccine (ask your health care provider if you need measles vaccine).

German Measles (Rubella)

Every woman of childbearing age unless there is clear evidence of previous immunization; should not be given during pregnancy.

Tetanus

Every ten years as booster; if not previously immunized, a three-dose schedule.

Polio (oral)

Those immunized as children who are health care workers or who travel to other countries where polio is still a problem should get one booster dose.

Smallpox

Not needed.

Influenza

Recommended yearly for adults over fifty and for those with chronic lung or heart disease; recommended for everyone during epidemics.

Typhoid

Not needed. New oral vaccine can be taken before traveling to underdeveloped areas.

Pneumonia
(pneumococcal)

Recommended for adults suffering from chronic lung disease or heart failure with congestion, alcoholics, those in nursing homes or institutions for mentally or physically disabled, those suffering from sickle cell anemia, those who have had their spleen removed; probably should be given to all persons over age sixty.

Hepatitis B

Recommended, at present, for certain health care workers, certain patients such as those undergoing dialysis, those traveling to areas of the world where there is a lot of hepatitis B, and intravenous drug users. Some recommend the vaccine for people with multiple sex partners. Three doses are given to adults requiring immunization.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for certain health care workers; should be considered if traveling to countries with a high frequency of the disease. Also recommended for homosexual men and IV drug users.

Meningococcus

Mainly used if individual is traveling to areas with major problems and possibly for some college students living in dormitories (consult the college health service).

Varicella

Ask your health care provider.

Those with severe allergic reactions or certain underlying diseases may not be able to follow recommended immunizations (consult with your physician).

* The threat of bioterrorism may change that. There will be new and controversial recommendations in 2003. Healthful Life is not persuaded that widespread smallpox immunization is indicated in the United States. However, some experts will recommend limited non-military immunizations (mainly health care workers and other emergency responders); others will urge widespread immunization.