Why adults can’t be spared from vaccinations? 9 reasons by physician

Many people think that vaccination is meant for kids alone. It is wrong. The truth is that vaccinations are as important for adults as it is for kids. Unfortunately, many adults are guilty of missing out on the necessary vaccinations even today. Currently, 2 to 3 million deaths are known to take place every year due to the lack of proper adult vaccination. Dr Pradip Shah, HOD and General Medicine Specialist at Fortis Hospital, India shares eight reasons why adults also need vaccination.

Diseases preventable by vaccination are still out there

As the viruses and bacteria that cause disease and death still exist; there is always a risk of transferring the diseases to those who are not protected by vaccines. In a world, where it is easy to commute from one place to another in a short span of time, it is scary to note that how easily a disease can be transferred from one person to another. Hence, vaccination in an adult is important.

Childhood vaccination is not enough anymore

You might have received vaccination as a child, but there are few vaccines that require a booster over a period to remain protected against diseases. Precautions taken against diseases during childhood, through vaccination, can subside over a period, putting you at a high risk of new diseases during adulthood. Hence, it is a safe idea for people of all age groups to undergo immunization to protect against diseases. There are must do vaccination for pregnant ladies. Click here to know more about infections in pregnancy.

There are adult-vaccines

Shingles (also known as herpes or zoster) is primarily caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can result in severe and painful rashes on the skin with a risk of suffering from shingles depending on the age of the person. Such vaccinations are recommended only for adults who are 60 years and older.

Treatment may be expensive

If you do not get a vaccination for a disease (that can be prevented through vaccines), then there is a chance that you might end up in a hospital paying more than what you could have initially through vaccination.

Young and healthy people too get infected

Kids and adults are at a greater risk of suffering from serious infections and complications. Being said that, diseases which are preventable through vaccine can strike anyone. So if a person is young and healthy, he must get vaccinated as a precaution.

If you work at medical field, vaccination is must

If you work as a healthcare provider, you are exposed to all sorts of potential infections, including blood and bodily fluids. In such a case, they are not only required to have a complete series of vaccinations done but also proper evidence of immunity along with an annual influenza dose. This includes measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and hepatitis B.

Multi-person sex

The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly recommended, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. As the hepatitis virus can be transmitted from person to person through contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluid, getting a vaccination can help in the long run.

Immunity to strengthen

Getting vaccinated also increases the functioning of the immune system by triggering the production of antibodies. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent serious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood infection caused due to the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia. It is highly recommended to get this vaccination to avoid increased risks of getting affected by these infections.