Vaccines for Young Adults

As you embark on this new stage of your life – young adulthood – you will assume many new responsibilities, ranging from doing your own laundry to managing your own credit. Some of the most important decisions you will make, however, concern your health and how to protect it. As a young adult, you can assume ownership of your health and take steps to help ensure a lifetime of wellness.

Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent disease and they are not just for little kids. Some vaccines are given just once (as a singe shot or a series) during a lifetime and others need to be repeated yearly or every several years. The following vaccines are important for young adults now and throughout your life:

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are all caused by bacteria. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. Death results in nearly 2 out of 10 cases.

Diphtheria is spread person to person. It causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.

Pertussis or "whopping cough" is a serious respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person. It can cause coughing spells so severe a person can crack a rib. It can lead to weight loss, rib fractures, pneumonia, seizures, hospitalization and even death.

Everyone age 11 or older should receive a single dose of tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine (Tdap). Booster doses of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) need to be repeated every 10 years thereafter.

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets or direct contact with saliva from the infected person. It is a serious illness that can rapidly progress to meningitis, pneumonia and death. About 1 out of every 10 people who get the disease dies from it. Of those who survive, up to 1 in 5 are affected for life with conditions such as deafness, loss of a limb, mental retardation and nervous system disorders.

The vaccine is administered as a single dose. All unvaccinated persons who are 11-18 years of age or entering college should receive the vaccine.

HPV

Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain types of HPV also cause genital warts and other forms of cancer. A vaccine for females ages 9 – 26 is available as a three-dose series. Unvaccinated females in this age group should receive the vaccine regardless of sexual history or prior HPV infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that is spread through blood and body fluids. It is second only to tobacco among known carcinogens and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and even death. Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to all individuals who did not receive the vaccine during childhood. It is administered as a three-dose series.

Hepatitis A

Infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause a serious liver disease. HAV is usually spread by close personal contact or by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus. HAV can cause mild "flu-like" symptoms, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and severe stomach pains or diarrhea. People with HAV infection often have to be hospitalized (about 1 in 5 people). The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series.

Varicella

Varicella or "chickenpox" is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily from person to person through the air or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. While most cases of varicella are mild, the disease can be serious. It can lead to severe skin infection, scarring, pneumonia, brain damage and even death. Individuals who have not been previously vaccinated or who have not had chickenpox should receive the vaccine. The vaccine is given as a two-dose series.

Influenza

Influenza, also called "the flu," is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Influenza viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. An annual flu shot is recommended for most individuals and can be given before or any time during the influenza season.

All of the vaccines you receive, both from childhood and adult, should be recorded in your immunization record. Keeping this important document up-to-date and readily accessible will be important for proof of required immunizations for school, jobs and travel.

Editorial provided by The Ohio Department of Health, Immunization Program.