Pneumonia and influenza together represent the fifth leading cause of death in older adults. These two conditions may be prevented by receiving an influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination. The influenza vaccine requires an injection once per year because of the changing nature of the influenza virus. The pneumococcal vaccination requires a one-time injection. Medicare Part “B” provides for these two vaccinations: annually for influenza and once for pneumococcal.

Fifty or fewer cases of tetanus occur each year, but they result in five deaths annually in the U.S. Most of these deaths occur in adults over the age of 60. In addition, nearly one of every 10 people who get diphtheria will die from it. For these reasons, the CDC recommends that adults receive a tetanus/diphtheria booster once every 10 years.

Another common vaccination is for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). MMR is normally administered once and offers protection for life. Unimmunized persons of any age can get measles, mumps or rubella, but those born after 1956 who do not have proof of immunity are particularly at risk and should be immunized.

There are certain immunizations that may benefit you if your lifestyle or job put you at risk. Vaccinations for hepatitis “A” and “B,” varicella (Chicken Pox) and meningitis may benefit certain individuals. People at high risk for these conditions include health workers, immunosuppressed persons and those who live with or have close contact with infected persons.

For more information visit:

• the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines & Immunization Program at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
• the U.S. Department of Health an Human Services/Administration on Aging's Be Wise...Immunize! Fact Sheet at http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/overview/Be%20Wise%20Immunize.pdf

If you are an educator seeking program materials related to immunizations for caregivers and other adults, visit: http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/overview/Immunization_project_Oct11.pdf.