Routine adult vaccinations reduce threat of disease

AORN Journal, April, 2008

Adults who do not get recommended vaccinations leave themselves vulnerable to significant illness and possibly even death, according to a January 23, 2008, news release from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland. Routine immunization of children in the United States has saved many lives and prevented disease, however, new data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey indicate that many adults are not taking advantage of advancements in adult disease prevention.

Immunization is recommended for adults to protect against chickenpox, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus/cervical cancer, influenza, measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal disease, rubella, shingles, and tetanus. Deaths and illnesses associated with these diseases are largely avoidable with vaccination.

In another recent survey, only 3% to 18% of adults were able to identify adult-specific vaccinations. The only exception was the influenza vaccination, which was named by nearly half of the respondents. Half of those surveyed also stated that they are not concerned about whether they or another adult family member will contract a vaccine-preventable disease.

The adult vaccination issue represents a national public health crisis. The consequences have far reaching ramifications for individuals, families, and the country as a whole. Though challenges exist in increasing immunization rates and awareness, experts continue to urge the integration of adult vaccinations into routine care to save lives and reduce needless illness.

New data show unacceptably low adult immunization rates and that adults unaware of infectious disease threat [news release]. Washington, DE: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases; January 23, 2008.