Gwangju Health: Get Your Pokes
Adults Need to Keep Up with Their Vaccines, Too!
The vaccine “debate” came roaring back into the national spotlight this year with a measles outbreak in the US that started at Disneyland. The outbreak likely began with an infected traveler who visited the park and passed on the infection to unvaccinated individuals that he or she came into contact with. As of February 6, the outbreak consisted of 121 cases in 17 states and had also spread to Mexico. Last year saw the highest number of cases since measles was eradicated in 2000. Of course, it is not a true debate – despite what some celebrities and politicians might argue. For the scientific community, questions regarding the safety and efficacy of routine vaccinations have long been laid to rest. This article will give the reader the tools to be proactive about his or her health by staying up-to-date on adult vaccinations.
That is right – the pokes do not stop after you reach adulthood! Several of the vaccines we receive as children require boosters to remain effective, while others are beneficial during pregnancy or as we age. Still others are a good idea to have, even if you think you may not need them. Here is a round-up of the most important vaccines that healthy adults should get, if they can. All of these pokes should be available at Korean clinics, and doctors should be familiar with them. (These recommendations are from the US CDC. Non-US nationals are encouraged to look up the specific recommendations from their national public health agency.)
Td/Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis- Adults should receive one dose of Tdap and a Td booster every ten years.
MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella- Recommended for anyone who did not receive this as a child.
Varicella: Chickenpox- Two doses are recommended for those that did not receive the vaccine or have chickenpox as a child.
Influenza: The flu shot- Get one every year!
HPV: Cancer-causing strains of the human papillomavirus- Three doses are recommended for women and men.
Hepatitis B: Three doses are recommended for all sexually active adults.
Note to travelers: For you fearless backpackers and intrepid wanderers, your country’s public health agency will have country-specific recommendations for those immunizations that are not needed in Korea (e.g., yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A); be sure to check before you book your flight!
If you believe you may not have received all of your recommended immunizations as a child, there are catch-up schedules for adults available as well. Protect your health; get vaccinated!
More information on vaccines
From the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines
From the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC): http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/is-cv/index-eng.php
From the UK National Health Service (NHS): http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/
Jessica Keralis has a Master of Public Health and four years of experience in the field of public health. She is currently working as an epidemiologist. All views expressed here are her own and not those of any employer.