Abrahams Reminds Residents of National Adult Immunization Week

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and the Nassau County Department of Health are reminding residents that vaccines are not just for kids during National Adult Immunization Week from Sept. 23 to 29. Each year an estimated 46,000 individuals in the U.S., especially older adults, die needlessly from vaccine preventable diseases or their complications.

“Children are not the only ones who need vaccinations, and now is the time for adults to get the protection they need against viruses and illness, especially with flu season around the corner,” Abrahams said.

“Parents know the importance of having children immunized, but adults often forget that they should get vaccinated too,” said Acting Commissioner Abby Greenberg, M.D. “For example, 36,000 adults die each year from influenza and pneumonia alone, and an additional 20,000 are hospitalized due to complications.” Adult immunization also protects family members, including children who may be at risk for serious complications from these diseases.

In addition to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, the following adult vaccines are available and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, and rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis A and B, and meningococcal. Residents should check with their health care provider to determine which specific vaccines are indicated for them and if they are up-to-date.

Vaccine	Indication(s) for Adults	Frequency
Influenza	Adults age 50 and over, individuals with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and anyone who would like to be vaccinated.	Yearly
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide	Once after age 65 and recommended for younger adults with certain chronic conditions.	1-2 doses
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis	All  adults not previously immunized	Once
Tetanus and diphtheria	All adults	Every 10 years; more frequently for wounds
Human papillomavirus	Unimmunized women through age 26.	3 doses
Measles, mumps, and rubella	Susceptible adults. Check with your health care provider	1 or 2 doses
Varicella (chickenpox)	Susceptible adults. Check with your health care provider	2 doses
Hepatitis A	At risk adults.  Check with your health care provider	2 doses
Hepatitis B	At risk adults.  Check with your health care provider	3 doses
Meningococcal	At risk adults.  Check with your health care provider	1 or more doses

For additional information, contact Nassau County Department of Health’s Immunization Program at (516) 571-1680.