After 14 months, the World Health Organization has declared that H1N1 is now in a post-pandemic period. The pandemic led many people to consider protecting the health of their families through immunization, and many adults received their first immunizations since childhood. But the H1N1 vaccination may not be the only immunization adults need.
Adult immunization
Routine immunizations, often last received in childhood, may no longer provide protection in adulthood. This means that adults may be susceptible to illnesses themselves and could even act as carriers of diseases, such as whooping cough (pertussis), to their children or grandchildren.
As an adult, you need to take a close look at your immunization status to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
General adult recommendations:
- Seasonal influenza
- Tetanus/diphtheria (+ one-time pertussis) boosters
- Pneumococcal pneumonia for those over 65 years old and other high-risk groups
- Measles, mumps, rubella – if no history of measles or mumps or only have had MMR x 1 dose
- Chicken pox – if no history of disease
Special considerations:
- Travellers
- Chronic illnesses – e.g., diabetes mellitus or respiratory issues such as asthma
- Compromised immune systems through medications, transplants or lack of a spleen
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Health care workers
- Childcare workers (even those who work with teens / college-aged)
- Accommodations – nursing homes, lodges, chronic care facilities, those living with high-risk individuals, or the homeless
New vaccines within the last year:
- Shingles
- H1N1
Immunization recommendations vary from person to person. The vaccinations you need depend on your medical and vaccination history, as well as circumstances such as those listed under special considerations. The health care team at Preventous looks forward to having the opportunity to discuss your specific vaccination needs with you.