Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Peet are Hollywood A-listers who favor vaccinations for children. But do they know that vaccines aren't just for babies and back-to-schoolers? They should take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quiz (Google: "adolescent and adult vaccine quiz") to find out what they might need - and so should you! Adult vaccines and boosters protect you, your family and your neighbors from a variety of contagious diseases. Here are our recommendations:
Flu shots: Annually.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Born before 1957? You're considered immune to the trio. Born in 1957 or later? You should have documentation of vaccination. If you don't have it, get protection. During the first five months of 2011, 45 percent of U.S. measles cases were in adults 20 and older.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap): It's for any adult who hasn't had the Tdap vaccine, and all pregnant women. Had your Tdap? Ask about a booster; the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine loses effectiveness over time. Get a booster vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years following the Tdap vaccine.
Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia): For adults 65-plus and folks with specific health conditions, there are two forms of this vaccine; you and your doc should talk about getting each one in alternate years.
Shingles: "For anyone 60 or older" is the official recommendation. But we think 50 makes much more sense, based on available data.
Varicella (chickenpox): Born in the U.S. before 1980? You're assumed to be immune. Otherwise, those age 13 or up who haven't had chickenpox or the vaccine get two doses, at least 28 days apart.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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