Vaccines: Not Just for Kids
Reported November 18, 2008
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Vaccines are more than just a rite of passage in childhood — adults need them, too. In fact, statistics show 98 percent of American adults could benefit from getting a vaccine today. A few potentially life-saving vaccines are something to consider.
Richard Lee, M.D., professor of medicine and anthropology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, says the shingles vaccine is one you should know about. The disease can wreak havoc on older people.
“It hurts,” Dr. Lee told Ivanhoe. “It’s a very unpleasant illness.”
The vaccine can cut the risk of getting shingles by half, but less than two percent of adults who qualify receive it. The Centers for Disease Control recommends it for those over 60.
Another vaccine to consider protects against chicken pox. It’s especially important before women become pregnant because chicken pox can cause birth defects in unborn babies.
The flu vaccine is another one to think about. It does more than simply protect you from the flu each year.
“It may make you a more likely person to have less of a serious illness when the next pandemic bug comes along,” Dr. Lee said.
The hepatitis B vaccine is also a must. The disease affects 80,000 Americans per year and kills 5,000.
Finally, a whooping cough vaccine known as TDAP is needed every ten years, but only two-percent of adults get it. Mother Suzanne Hall never thought much about getting vaccines as an adult, but now she’s changed her mind.
“I don’t think that once we reach adulthood, especially if we have children, we’re thinking about them so much,” Hall told Ivanhoe. “We don’t really think that we’re going to be at risk.”
Dr. Lee says that line of thinking is all too common and dangerous.
“People need to understand that after a period of time, their immunity begins to wane,” he said.
Just that little pinch of protection can go a long way. There are more than 16 adult diseases that can be prevented simply by getting vaccinated. Many of those vaccines are covered by insurance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
John Della Contrada
Media Relations
The State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
(716) 645-5000 ext. 1409
