Iowa Adults Urged to Update Vaccinations - posted 4/18/2008

Yearly exam should include immunization check-up

Immunizations are a high priority for Iowa parents who must have their children’s vaccines up-to-date in order to enroll them in school. However, a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests those parents should make keeping their own vaccinations current a priority as well.

According to the CDC’s “National Immunization Survey,” only 44 percent of adult Americans have received a tetanus shot in the past 10 years. The tetanus vaccine decreases in its effectiveness after 10 years, thus a booster shot is recommended to maintain protection. A new combination tetanus vaccine is now recommended for adults due for their next adult tetanus booster shot. It is given to adults aged 18-64 years and is called “Tdap” for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). The CDC reports only 2 percent of adults nationally have received a Tdap vaccination.

“It’s important for adults to look after their own health, as well as that of their children,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Immunization Program Manager, Don Callaghan. “Adults should schedule regular checkups with a physician to not only monitor their overall health, but to keep their vaccinations current.”

Two new vaccines were licensed in 2006 for adults. The shingles vaccine, for persons aged 60 and older, has been received by only 2 percent of the adults in that age group. The HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, is available for females aged 9-26. According to the CDC report, only 10 percent had received at least one dose of this three-dose series.

On the bright side, state figures show among Iowa adults aged 65 and older, nearly 74 percent got a flu shot in the past year and 71 percent received the pneumonia vaccine.

To assist adults in keeping track of their vaccine history, adult immunization record forms are available at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/immunization_products.asp (folds into wallet size).  The adult immunization schedule is available at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/adult-schedule.htm.

IDPH recommends that all adults review their vaccine history with their health care provider to ensure that they have protection against these serious diseases.