Vaccination is as important for adults as it is for children. Rommel Tickoo , consultant, internal medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, says there are multiple reasons for this—an adult may not have been vaccinated as a child, or if he/she was, might need a booster dose now. And as people age, they become more susceptible to diseases caused by common infections, such as flu and pneumococcus, and need protection. Also, new vaccines, like the one for human papillomavirus (HPV), can be an added safeguard for adults.

Dr Tickoo, along with Anurag Mahajan, consultant physician and in-charge, medical intensive care unit, Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, New Delhi, lists the important vaccines adults must find out more about. However, “before taking a dose, it is important to check with your doctor and to ascertain which ones you actually need, instead of taking them randomly," cautions Dr Mahajan.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are bacterial infections. Tetanus affects the nervous system, leading to stiffness, painful muscle spasms and lockjaw (inability to open mouth or swallow). The bacteria that cause tetanus enter the body through wounds or cuts. Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease of the upper respiratory tract that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a whooping sound when you breathe in.

A one-time Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) vaccine for adults who have never received the vaccine and a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster every 10 years are all it takes to prevent these. If you had the Tdap vaccine as a child, then get Td booster doses.

Cost: ₹ 1,300 (Tdap); ₹ 10 (Td)

Flu vaccine

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Common complications include sinusitis, otitis (pain in the ear), pneumonia and respiratory failure. Each year’s vaccine is based on the three strains of influenza virus that are expected to be widespread that season.

Cost: ₹ 650

Chickenpox vaccine

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that causes a red, itchy rash. Complications can include bacterial infection of the skin, infection in the bloodstream, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. If you’ve avoided chickenpox so far, don’t push your luck. You can get it just by being in a room with someone who has it. If you haven’t been vaccinated as a child, get the dose now as adults with chickenpox face a greater risk of complications. Women planning to get pregnant particularly need it. Get an antibody test done if you are not sure you’ve had chickenpox or the vaccine as a child. If it is positive, then you don’t need it. Two doses of the vaccine are administered four-eight weeks apart to people aged 13 and above.

Cost: ₹ 1,700

HPV vaccine

HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people who have HPV don’t develop symptoms; in some cases, HPV infection can lead to genital warts and some types of cancer (like cervical cancer). HPV vaccines protect against some strains of the virus that cause most cervical cancers in women and some throat cancers in men. The vaccine can be given to children as early as age 9, but young women and men, especially those who have not engaged in sexual activity, can receive the vaccine too till the age of 26. The vaccine is given in three doses over six months. People who are sexually active can take it too but the benefit may not be as far-reaching.

Cost: ₹ 2,800-3,700

Hepatitis vaccines

Hepatitis A and B can lead to serious liver damage. You can get the hepatitis A virus through food and water contamination, and hepatitis B virus through blood transfusion or sexual transmission. Moreover, pregnant women can pass STDs on to their children. Ideally, everyone should get vaccinated against hepatitis A. But it is recommended that homosexual men, people with chronic liver disease, those who use injectable drugs, people working with the virus in a research setting, and people travelling to an endemic area should be extra careful. The vaccine is usually given in two doses, 6-18 months apart.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for people who are sexually active and not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, persons with a history of sexually transmitted diseases, people with a current or recent history of injection drug use, persons with chronic liver disease, end-stage kidney disease, HIV, and those who are at risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers and those who are in close contact with people who have chronic hepatitis B infection. In case you have diabetes, the vaccine should be avoided. The vaccine is given in three doses, usually over six months. Check antibody levels after 10 years and take a booster dose, if needed.

Cost: ₹ 1,400-1,800 (hepatitis A); ₹ 100-450 (hepatitis B)

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Measles, mumps and rubella are viral infections. Measles cause a red, blotchy skin rash. Complications can include ear infection, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Mumps cause swelling in the salivary glands, located below and in front of your ears. Rubella causes a distinctive red rash. All three can hit harder when you’re an adult. An MMR vaccine protects against all three. And even if you think you’ve been vaccinated, it’s a good idea for adults to get the MMR dose if they don’t have documentation of vaccination or evidence of immunity. Or get an antibody test done if you are not sure. Two doses in a gap of four-eight weeks are given.

Cost: ₹ 550-1,200

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal infections are common at both extremes of age and can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia. If you are above 60, have chronic lung disease, have repeated exposure to healthcare areas or if you have had your spleen removed or have a weak immune system, you definitely need it. It is also recommended for high-risk people, those whose immunity is compromised, those who have diabetes, cardiac problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney and liver disease. This vaccination is usually taken as a single dose.

Cost: ₹ 1,100-1,250

Note: All costs are approximate and may vary from place to place.

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