The Messenger - October 2016 - 3

THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2016 Table Talk: Immunizations, You're NEVER Too Old! receive that vaccine until they are one year old. 2. Zoster: Herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles, is a painful recurrence of the chicken pox virus, which lies dormant in our systems for years after we contract the illness (usually in childhood). Cases most commonly occur after 60 years old, and so this vaccine is recommended as a one time vaccine after the age of 60. 3. Pneumonia vaccines: There are now 2 formulations of the pneumonia vaccine available for adults - the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 of Prevnar 13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax). The vaccines protect against pneumococcal disease, caused by a very specific bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections (sepsis). These vaccines are recommended for all adults after the age of 65 as a one time dose each, starting with PCV13 and then receiving PPSV23 one year later. If you have already received the PPSV23, but not the PCV13, worry not! The immunization will still be very worthwhile, even if the schedule is reversed. These vaccines are also recommended for younger persons with the following conditions: heart disease, lung disease (including tobacco use and asthma), diabetes, those with cochlear implants, kidney disease, persons with cancer, and anyone who is on immunosuppressive therapy, such as chemotherapy, history of organ transplants, or long term corticosteroid use (such as prednisone). By Christi Stewart, MD Ahhh, fall! Cooler temperatures, scarves and jackets, pumpkin spiced everything and being unable to trip in Lancaster without falling into someone trying to sell you a gourd of some kind. Possibly my favorite season. But in the healthcare world, fall is also associated with one other tradition: Flu Shots! Yes, it's flu shot season. This month, I thought we would focus on adult immunizations and which ones may be right for you. Yearly influenza vaccines are a staple to the foundation of good health through the winter season. Influenza season generally starts in January (although cases last year were being reported as early as November) and runs through April. It is important to get your influenza vaccine early in the season to support your immunity through the entire winter. This vaccine is required yearly, as the formulation of the vaccine is developed differently each year to combat mutations in the virus. The only exemptions for those who should not get the vaccine are those who had a severe reaction in the past, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, or those who are allergic to egg products. If you developed a cold or flu-like illness after receiving the vaccine, you should still receive the vaccine in following years. Here are some other vaccines you should consider as well: 1. Tetanus: A tetanus (or TD) vaccine is required every 10 years. There is no age limit to this, though some insurances do not pay for it automatically. If you have not received the pertussis, or whooping cough, vaccine, or if you received the vaccine last in childhood, you should consider a TDaP vaccine (that contains immunizations for both tetanus and pertussis) with your next scheduled vaccine. This is especially important if you are around babies, as they are very susceptible to pertussis and don't As always, speak to your provider about whether the above immunizations are right for you, and when you should receive them (they should not always be given together, for example). Be safe, be healthy, and have a wonderful fall season! 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Messenger - October 2016