2012 Adult Immunization Schedule

There are some new recommendations for adult immunizations – anyone over 18 years old.

The “new” tetanus shot (Tdap) includes protection against pertussis (whooping cough) as well at tetanus and diphtheria.

·         Tdap vaccine is recommended for all persons who are close contacts of infants younger than 12 months of age (e.g., parents, grandparents, and child-care providers) and who have not received Tdap previously.

·         Tdap vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during later pregnancy (>20 weeks gestation).

·         Other adults who are close contacts of children younger than 12 months of age continue to be recommended to receive a one-time dose of Tdap vaccine.

The human papillomavirus is associated with cervical cancer, mouth cancer and penile cancer. The previous recommendation for HPV immunization was for females younger than 26 years. The update includes routine vaccination of males 11–12 years of age, with catch-up vaccination recommended for males 13–21 years of age. Also now recommended for previously unvaccinated males 22–26 years of age who are immunocompromised, or who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or who have sex with men.

All children are now immunized against hepatitis B. The updated recommendation is to vaccinate adults younger than 60 years old who have diabetes as soon as possible after diabetes is diagnosed. Also now recommended, at the discretion of the treating clinician, for adults with diabetes who are 60 years or older based on a patient’s likely need for assisted blood glucose monitoring, likelihood of acquiring hepatitis B, and likelihood of immune response to vaccination.

The “shingles shot” (Zoster vaccine) was recently approved by the FDA for administration to persons 50 years or old, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continues to recommend that vaccination begin at age 60 years.

Read the full article in the MMWR.