Immunizations are not just for kids! This page contains a list of recommended vaccines for adults in Lincoln County along with some information on why you may want to get immunized. Talk to your health care provider about what vaccines they recommend for you.
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water (fecal – oral route). Periodic outbreaks occur in the United States, sometimes involving food handlers. Montana is among the states with a moderate amount of Hepatitis A cases. The vaccine is a two-dose series spaced 6 to 12 months apart and is recommended for travelers to foreign countries, people with chronic liver disease, people who have blood clotting disorders, or any person who wishes to be immune to Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood, objects contaminated with blood, body fluids, and sexual contact. The vaccine is three doses, the first two are one month apart and the third dose is five months later. It is recommended for health care workers, first responders, coaches and teachers and day care workers who may have contact with blood, athletes who may have contact with blood through contact sports, janitors and housekeepers who may have contact with blood or the risk of accidental needle sticks, and adults who travel frequently or for long periods to foreign countries which have a high incidence of Hepatitis B.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): This is the first vaccine which can combat cancer of the cervix in women. For men, it will help prevent genital warts. This is a three shot series given over 6 months for those 11-26 years of age.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rebella): Adults born after 1957 should have received two doses of MMR vaccine. They are required for college students and day care workers.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Prevents a deadly form of bacterial pneumonia and often a serious complication of influenza. One dose of is recommended for adults over age 65, and people of any age who have chronic heart, lung, or endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), people who have illnesses or take medications that suppress the immune system (cortisone, prednisone, chemotherapy, etc.), people whose spleen has been removed, and people with serious kidney disease. If one dose is received before age 65 another dose should be given after age 65 if at least five years have passed since the first dose. Some people with special health problems may require additional doses.
Seasonal Influenza (Also known as the flu): A yearly dose of Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who is 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphteria, and Acellular Pertussis): It was licensed in 2005. It is the first vaccine for adolescents and adults that protects against all three diseases. It is recommended that all adults ages 19 years and older who have not yet received a dose of Tdap receive a single dose. After receiving Tdap, people should receive Td every 10 years for routine booster immunization against Tetanus and Diphtheria. Pregnant women should receive a Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Adults who never had the disease should receive two doses of varicella vaccine at least one month apart.
Zoster (Shingles): Zoster is caused by reactivation of a latent varicella virus infection (from having chickenpox in the past). A one-time dose is recommended for ages 60 years or older.