While many people believe vaccination is intended only for infants and children, many vaccines should be considered for adults as well. Vaccines can protect adults against preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcal disease, influenza and varicella. They also can protect against hepatitis A and B.
People who travel outside the United States may require disease-specific vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates an international traveler's immunization hot line. Call toll-free (877) FYI-TRIP or (888) 232-3299 to obtain information about required and/or recommended shots for your destination, or visit their web site.
The Immunization Action Coalition has many materials for physicians pertaining to adult immunization. Please check here for a summary of the latest adult immunizations.
The National Influenza Vaccine Summit home page
Updates on the National Influenza Vaccine Summit.Influenza vaccine updates
Updates on the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine supply.Adult vaccination: a step-by-step guide
Immunization Action Coalition releases an excellent adult immunization resource.Influenza vaccination for health care professionals
Only 36 percent of all health care professionals are immunized against influenza each year, despite long-standing recommendations for annual vaccination.Content provided by: AMA Science