Your need for immunizations doesn’t end when you reach adulthood. Yates County Public Health reminds adults to maintain protection against vaccine-preventable diseases for your health and for your family’s health.
The need for immunizations remains just as strong as when we were vulnerable children. As adults, we must continue to maintain our own health because we are also affecting the health of our families by teaching them how to care for themselves. Whether a young adult, middle-aged adult, or senior citizen, we ALL need immunizations to keep us healthy. The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, high-risk medical conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against:
• Seasonal Influenza (Flu): Recommended for all ages 6 months and older.
• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough): All adults 19 and older should get one booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria (Td) every 10 years. Adults over 65 years who have never gotten Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) should substitute it for the next booster dose of Td, then continue with a dose of Td every 10 years.
• Shingles: For adults 60 years and older
• Pneumococcal Disease: For adults 65 years and older and those with specific health conditions.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: For women 26 years and younger
Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox (Varicella), and Measles, Mumps, & Rubella. Public Health officials encourage all adults to talk to their health care provider at their next visit about what type of immunizations they may be due for or should receive.
Yates County Public Health has adult vaccine to offer. Through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act, Yates County Public Health has received free adult vaccine to offer to adult community based on vaccine criteria.
While supplies last, public health can offer Pneumococcal Vaccine, which can be given to adults 65 years and older or those 19 years and older who have chronic medical conditions or smoke, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer for women aged 19-26 years and Tdap vaccine to new parents of infants and their close contact family members.
Yates County Public Health also has other adult vaccines for a small fee.
If you are interested in the free adult vaccine or would like more information on adult vaccines, call Yates County Public Health at 315-536-5160 or toll free 1-866-212-5160 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
