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Harold N. Adel, MD, MPH Commissioner Department of Health |
Andrew
J. Spano |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 9, 1998 Adult Immunizations
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FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Mary Landrigan (914) 637-4715 |
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| October 11 - 17, 1998, is
National Adult Immunization Awareness Week and the Westchester County Department of Health
is taking this opportunity to remind residents that immunizations aren't just for infants
and children. Immunizations against serious infectious diseases are also needed by adults.
In fact, immunizations are just as important for adults, in particular senior citizens, as
they are for children. "Techniques for producing vaccines have improved dramatically in the past few decades," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Most vaccines contain no live organisms and are not produced using human blood products so there is minimal or no risk of becoming ill from the vaccine itself," he added. "Each year in the United States, as many as 70,000 adults die needlessly from vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal infection (the most common bacteria which causes pneumonia in adults) and hepatitis B," said Dr. Adel. "The majority of these adults are over 65 years of age," he added. Adults can also be at risk for other preventable diseases such as tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diptheria and pertussis. Even adults who were immunized against these diseases as children may be at risk, since some immunizations require booster shots and others simply lose their effectiveness over time. The Westchester County Department of Health recommends that individuals at "high-risk" of becoming seriously ill with the flu receive an influenza vaccine yearly. "High-risk" individuals include everyone aged 65 years or older and those with chronic diseases, regardless of age. Persons such as health care workers and household contacts who are likely to transmit influenza to the above groups are also advised to receive the vaccine.Since different strains of the influenza virus tend to spread each flu season, a new vaccine is needed each year. In order to give the body enough time to build up the proper immunity, it is best to get a flu shot by early November, before the flu season usually begins. The Health Department offers influenza clinics for residents each year. Flu vaccinations are covered in full by Medicare; otherwise, there is a $10 fee. Residents who cannot attend these clinics are encouraged to see their health care provider before flu season begins. For information on County flu clinic dates and sites, residents may call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. "Pneumococcal Disease is another illness for which adults should seek immunization, said Dr. Adel." "Pneumococcal bacteria can cause a number of infections, including those affecting the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), or the covering of the brain (meningitis). Older people are two to three times more likely than younger people to suffer from pneumococcal disease, which can be much more severe in elderly people. With the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of pneumococcus, the importance of this immunization is even greater," he added.At this time, medical experts agree that the pneumococcal vaccine is needed only once for most people. This one-time immunization protects against the strains responsible for the majority of serious infections due to pneumococcal disease. Side effects (low fever and local soreness) are minor and go away quickly. In fact, the pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu shot without increasing the side effects. At influenza clinics this year, the Westchester County Department of Health is also offering pneumococcal vaccines to residents 65 years of age and older. Pneumococcal vaccines are covered in full by Medicare; otherwise there is a $20.00 fee. Besides the Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccines, certain people may need to receive other immunizations because of particular exposures or risks. If you have any questions about your need for a particular immunization, call your physician. If you are planning to travel abroad, check with your doctor about immunizations that may be required or highly recommended. A Canters for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) provides information for travelers. The Westchester County Department of Health may be contacted for referrals to providers with expertise in travel medicine. Since some vaccinations involve a series of shots, it is best to arrange for them to be given at least two or three months before your trip.For additional information about adult immunizations, call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
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