Community Corner

CDC Says Adults Need Immunizations, Too

The North Fulton Regional Health Center in Alpharetta offers immunizations on a sliding fee scale.

Did you know that immunizations are not just for children? Sure, many of us get flu shots (influenza) every year, or wish we did. But how about Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis?

Fulton County Health Services said in a release that adults also need to be current with their vaccinations. In recognition of National Immunization Month, the agency is promoting adult immunizations.

The need for adult immunizations is determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Immunizations are needed to maintain protection against diseases and illnesses such as the flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and shingles. Adults should talk to their health care provider about needed vaccines.

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Does your doctor tell you to get these immunizations? Tell us in the comments below.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, between 40,000 to 50,000 adults die annually from vaccine preventable diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated the direct health care burden of adult vaccine preventable diseases to be about $10 billion annually.

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The CDC recommends the following immunization schedule for adults 19 years and older:

Vaccine                                                           Age Groups

 

19-26 yrs.

27-49 yrs.

50-59 yrs.

60-64 yrs.

≥65

Influenza (Flu)

X

X

X

X

X

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)

(Substitute 1-time dose of Tdap for Td booster then boost with Td every 10 years; ≥65 boost with Td every 10 years)

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

(3 doses - females)

X

 

 

 

 

Zoster  (Shingles) (1 dose)

 

 

 

X

X

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

(1 or 2 doses 19-49 yrs.; 1 dose 50- 65+ yrs.)

X

X

X

X

X

Influenza (1 dose annually)

X

X

X

X

X

Pneumococcal

(1 or 2 doses 19-64 yrs.; 1 dose 65+ yrs.)

X

X

X

X

X

Hepatitis A (2 doses)

X

X

X

X

X

Hepatitis B (3 doses)

X

X

X

X

X

Meniningococcal (1 or more doses)

X

X

X

X

X

Adults need vaccinations for new diseases and “booster” shots for diseases they were vaccinated against as children because immunity may decrease over time. In addition, new vaccines are being developed against old diseases, and adults can benefit from these vaccines as they become available.

Effective tracking of adult immunizations is important to help avoid getting redundant or unnecessary vaccinations. Having trouble keeping track of all of this? In Georgia, adults can track their immunizations by registering with the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transaction and Services (GRITS). GRITS provides quick access to a complete immunization history.

Adult vaccinations are available at Fulton County health centers. Fees are assessed on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Fulton County health center locations:

  • – 3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta, 404-332-1834
  • Adamsville Regional Health Center – 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.,  Atlanta, 404-612-4215      
  • College Park Regional Health Center -1920 John E. Wesley Ave., College Park, 404-765-4155
  • Lakewood Health Center - 1853 Jonesboro Rd., SE, Atlanta, 404-624-0626
  • Center for Health and Rehabilitation – 265 Boulevard, NE, Atlanta, 404-612-5835
  • Neighborhood Union Health Center – 186 Sunset Ave., NW, Atlanta, 404-612-4665


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