Vaccines & Preventable Diseases:
Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases
Vaccines aren't just for kids. Far too many adults become ill, are disabled, and die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines. Thus everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations.
On this page:
Adult Vaccination Schedule
Take a few minutes to find out if you are at risk for any of the diseases listed below, and then discuss the Adult Vaccine Schedule with your health care provider.
Descriptions of Vaccine-preventable Diseases
The following is a list of diseases that can be prevented by immunization. Some immunizations are vital for most adults, especially senior citizens. Others are appropriate for only certain people.
Especially Serious Diseases for Adults age 65 or older:
Diphtheria | Influenza (flu) | Pneumococcus | Tetanus (lockjaw)
Vaccine-preventable adult diseases:
- Diphtheria
- Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza(flu)
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Mumps
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Pneumococcus
- Polio
- Rubella * (German measles)
- Tetanus (lockjaw)
- Varicella ** (chickenpox)
Diphtheria
Description
A respiratory disease caused by bacteria
Symptoms
Gradual onset of a sore throat and low-grade fever
Complications
Airway obstruction, coma, and death if not treated
Transmission
Spread by coughing and sneezing
Vaccine
Diphtheria toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DTaP, DT or Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
Everyone needs protection from diphtheria. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years or more -- or never had the initial 3-shot series -- you should be vaccinated.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Updated May, 2007
Description
A severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years
Symptoms
Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglotittis (a severe throat infection), skin infections, and arthritis
(Can be serious in children under age 1, but there is little risk of getting the disease after age 5)
Complications
Hib meningitis (death in one out of 20 children, and permanent brain damage in 10% - 30% of the survivors)
Transmission
Spread most likely through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing)
Vaccine
Hib vaccine is highly effective at preventing Hib disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
Most people over 5 years old do not need Hib vaccine. However, you should discuss getting the vaccine with your physician, if you have sickle cell anemia, or if your immune system is weakened because of
- HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system
- treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids
- cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
- bone marrow or organ transplant
- damaged spleen or no spleen.
Hepatitis A Updated July, 2007
Description
A disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Symptoms
Potentially none (likelihood of symptoms increase as a person gets older)
If present: yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomach ache, loss of appetite, or nausea
Complications
Because young children might not have symptoms, the disease is often not recognized until the child's caregiver becomes ill with hepatitis A.
Transmission
Most often: spread by the fecal-oral route (An object contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A is put into another person's mouth.)
Less often: spread by swallowing food or water that contains the virus
Vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine will prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for the following adults, especially if:
- You are a man and have sex with other men.
- You use street drugs.
- You work in or travel to countries with high rates of hepatitis A.
- You have long-term liver disease.
- You receive blood products to help your blood clot.
- You work with HAV-infected animals or work with HAV in a research setting.
Hepatitis B Updated July, 2007
Description
A disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Symptoms
Potentially none when first infected (likelihood of early symptoms increase with the person's age)
If present: yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomach ache, loss of appetite, nausea, or joint pain
Complications
The younger the person, the greater the likelihood of staying infected and having life-long liver problems, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer
Transmission
Spread through contact with the blood of an infected person or by having sex with an infected person
Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine will prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
You should get the hepatitis B vaccine if:
- You have had sex with or live in the same house as a person with hepatitis B virus infection.
- You have had sex with more than one partner during the last 6 months.
- You seek care in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases.
- You are a man who has sex with other men.
- You inject street drugs.
- You have a job that involves contact with human blood.
- You are on the staff of, or a client in, an institution for the developmentally disabled.
- You are a dialysis patient or have end-stage kidney disease.
- You have HIV infection.
- You have chronic liver disease.
- You travel outside the U.S. to regions with intermediate or high rates of hepatitis B virus infection. See countries where hepatitis B is common.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Updated JUNE, 2007
Description
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Symptoms
Pain, itching or tingling of the skin which is followed by a painful skin rash of blister-like lesions, usually localized to a small area on one side of the body, and often the face or trunk. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
Complications
Extreme pain and very rarely a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death.
Transmission
Shingles is a reactivation of the VZV virus and this condition is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles. However shingles is more common in people 50 years old or older, people who have medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly, or people who receive immunosuppressive drugs.
Vaccine
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine (Zostavax) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a single dose of the shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine for adults 60 years old or older. Recommendations made by the ACIP will be reviewed by the Director of CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Recommendations become official when published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Details
Related pages on shingles
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A type of virus that invades the cervical cells.
Symptoms
None when first infected. Early symptoms can consist of abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods) and - more rarely - discomfort during intercourse.
Complications
Cervical cell changes (abnormal Pap test), cervical cancer, and death.
Transmission
Spread by having sex with an infected person.
Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent most cervical cancers and genital warts.
As an adult, do I need it?
You should get the HPV vaccine if you are a female <26 years who has not completed the vaccine series. Women who are sexually active should still be vaccinated.
Details
Related pages on HPV
Influenza (flu) Updated Jan, 2007
Description
Highly infectious virus illness
Symptoms
Fever and chills, dry cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, sore throat (Note: Adults rarely have upset stomachs or diarrhea from influenza. The "stomach flu" is not influenza.)
Complications
Worsening of existing health problems, like heart disease or asthma; pneumonia; ear and sinus infections
Transmission
Spread mainly through coughs and sneezes of infected persons. But, may also be spread by touching an object contaminated with influenza and then touching the mouth or nose.
Vaccine
Influenza vaccine will help prevent this disease. (Note: The vaccine is not perfect for preventing all flu symptoms, especially for elderly people. However, it is excellent in preventing severe flu, hospitalization, and death. If you do get the flu, it will be a much milder case.)
As an adult, do I need it?
The influenza vaccine helps prevent this disease in all adults and vaccination is especially recommended if:
You are 50 years old or older.
You are living in a long-term care facility for the chronically ill, no matter what your age.
You have heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), anemia or other blood disorders, neurologic disease compromising respiratory function, or kidney diseases.
Your immune system is weakened because of HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system, treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs, or bone marrow or organ transplants.
You are a doctor, nurse, visiting home nurse, other healthcare provider, volunteer worker, family member, or someone else who comes in close contact with a person at risk of serious flu.
You will be pregnant during the flu season.
You live with or care for children younger than 5 years of age especially children less than 6 months of age who are too young to get the flu vaccine, but who are at very high risk of complications from influenza.
You live with or care for persons 65 years of age or older.
You live with or care for persons of any age with one or more chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Details
Related pages on influenza
Measles Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A respiratory disease caused by a virus
Symptoms
Rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (lasts about a week)
Complications
Diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death
Transmission
Spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing (highly contagious)
Vaccine
Measles vaccine (contained in MMR, MR and measles vaccines) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
*You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
- You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- You are a male born before 1957.
- You are a female born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.
- You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.
- You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles or mumps exposure.
You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and
- You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.
- You work in a hospital or other medical facility.
- You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
- You are a woman of childbearing age.
Details
Related pages on measles
Meningococcal UPDATED July, 2007
Description
A severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, bloodstream infection, and other localized infections.
Symptoms
Meningitis, which is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, is characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and mental status changes.
Meningococcal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection characterized by sudden onset of fever and, in severe cases, a rash.
Complications
Meningococcal disease can lead to death or permanent impairment, including hearing loss, mental impairment, or loss of limbs.
Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections that can result in multiple organ system failure, shock, and death.
Transmission
The disease is spread person-to-person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (e.g., by coughing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils). Close household contacts of persons with meningococcal disease are at greatly increased risk of infection.
Vaccine
There are two meningococcal vaccines available in the U.S.:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV)
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people ages 11-55, but MPSV4 can be used when MCV4 is not available.
Meningococcal vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11-18 years of age.
As an adult, do I need it?
You should get one of the above meningococcal vaccines if:
- You are a college first-year college student living in a dormitory
- You are a military recruit
- You have a damaged spleen or your spleen has been removed
- You have terminal complement deficiency, an immune system disorder
- You are a microbiologist who is routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- You are traveling or residing in countries in which the disease is common.
Mumps Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A disease of the parotid salivary glands caused by a virus
Symptoms
Fever, headache, muscle ache, and swelling of the parotid salivary glands (which are located in the area between the neck and jaw area, below the ears)
Complications
Meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, inflammation of the pancreas and deafness (usually permanent)
Transmission
Spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing
Vaccine
Mumps vaccine (contained in MMR) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
*You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
- You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- You are a male born before 1957.
- You are a female born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.
- You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.
- You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles or mumps exposure.
You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and
- You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.
- You work in a hospital or other medical facility.
- You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
- You are a woman of childbearing age.
Pertussis (whooping cough) Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A respiratory disease caused by bacteria
Symptoms
Runny nose, sneezing, low grade fever, cough, similar to the common cold. After 1-2 weeks, may progress to stage characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs (paroxysms). A final recovery stage with coughing may last weeks or months.
Complications
Bacterial pneumonia and rib fracture. Other complications of adult pertussis occur rarely. Infants are at highest risk for apnea, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death.
Transmission
Spread by coughing and sneezing.
Vaccine
Pertussis vaccine (contained in Tdap, DTP, and DTaP) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
If you are <65 years and have not previously received a dose of Tdap, a single dose of Tdap should replace a single dose of Td for booster immunization if the most recent tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine was received at least 10 years earlier.
Adults in close contact with an infant aged <1 year who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is suggested.
Healthcare personnel in hospitals and ambulatory care settings with direct patient contact who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is recommended.
Details
Related pages on pertussis
Pneumococcus Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A type of bacteria
Symptoms
Pneumococcal pneumonia (high fever, cough, and shortness of breath), bacteremia (fever and feeling generally poorly), and meningitis (fever, headache, thinking slowly or not clearly)
Complications
Death (one of the most common causes of death in America from a vaccine-preventable disease)
Transmission
Pneumococcus is in many people's noses and throats and is spread by coughing, sneezing, or contact with respiratory secretions. Why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease is unknown.
Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine is very good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However it is not guaranteed to prevent all symptoms in all people.
As an adult, do I need it?
You should get the pneumococcal vaccine if:
You are 65 years old or older.
You have a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, sickle cell disease, alcoholism, leaks of cerebrospinal fluid, lung disease (not including asthma), diabetes, or liver cirrhosis.
Your resistance to infection is lowered due to Hodgkin's disease; multiple myeloma; cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs; treatment with long-term steroids; bone marrow or organ transplant; kidney failure; HIV/AIDS; lymphoma, leukemia, or other cancers; nephrotic syndrome; damaged spleen or no spleen.
You are an Alaskan Native or from certain Native American populations.
Details
Related pages on pneumococcal
Polio Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A viral disease of the nervous system
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat, nausea, headache, stomach ache, and stiffness in the neck, back, and legs
Complications
Paralysis that can lead to permanent disability and death
Transmission
Contact with an infected person
Vaccine
Polio vaccine (IPV) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
The risk of contracting "wild" polio is very small in the U.S. You should get the polio vaccine if:
- You are traveling to polio infected areas of the world.
- You are working in polio laboratories.
- Healthcare workers treating patients who could have polio.
- Close contacts of patients who might be excreting polio virus.
Details
Related pages on polio
Rubella (German measles) Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A acute viral disease that causes fever and rash
Symptoms
Rash and fever for two to three days (mild disease in children and young adults)
Complications
Birth defects if acquired by a pregnant woman: deafness, cataracts, heart defects, mental retardation, and liver and spleen damage (at least a 20% chance of damage to the fetus if a woman is infected early in pregnancy)
Transmission
Spread by contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing
Vaccine
Rubella vaccine (contained in MMR vaccine) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
*You do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) if:
- You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- You are a male born before 1957.
- You are a female born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.
- You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.
- You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles or mumps exposure.
You SHOULD get the MMR vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and
- You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.
- You work in a hospital or other medical facility.
- You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
- You are a woman of childbearing age.
Details
Related pages on rubella
Tetanus (lockjaw) Updated Jan, 2007
Description
A disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria.
Symptoms
Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing
Later symptoms: severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, severe autonomic nervous system disorders
Complications
Death in about 10-20% of cases, higher among older people
Transmission
Enters the body through a break in the skin
Vaccine
Tetanus toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DT, DTaP, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
Everyone needs protection from tetanus. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years or more, you should receive a tetanus shot. If you never had the initial childhood tetanus vaccines, you should receive a series of three tetanus shots.
Details
Related pages on tetanus
Varicella (chickenpox) Updated July, 2007
Description
A viral disease that causes an itchy rash
Symptoms
A skin rash of blister-like lesions, usually on the face, scalp, or trunk
Complications
Bacterial infection of the skin, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia (usually more severe in children 13 or older and adults)
Transmission
Spread by coughing and sneezing (highly contagious), or by direct contact with lesions
Vaccine
Varicella vaccine can prevent this disease.
As an adult, do I need it?
You SHOULD get the varicella vaccine if you do not have a reliable history of having had chickenpox or shingles, especially if:
You are a health care worker, teach young children, a day care worker, a resident or staff member in an institutional setting, a college student, an inmate or staff member of a correctional institution, in the military, or if you travel internationally, or
You are a woman of childbearing age who is sure you are not pregnant (Pregnant women should not receive the varicella vaccine.), or
You have only had one dose of varicella vaccine
**You do NOT need the chickenpox vaccine if:
- You have a reliable history of having had chickenpox, or
- You have blood tests that show you are immune to varicella, or
- You already had two doses of chickenpox vaccine, or
- You were born in the U.S. before 1980, or
- You have a reliable history of herpes zoster (shingles).
Details
Related pages on varicella
Content last reviewed on January 16, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases