Regardless of age, immunizations are necessary to protect ourselves from contagious disease, and to protect our loved ones and others by reducing the transmission of disease.
Adults need vaccinations for several reasons, such as the development of new vaccines that were not available when they were children. Additionally, some vaccinations given in childhood may not protect a person for an entire lifetime.
Immunizations about which we have recently heard a lot are the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine, which is now recommended for adolescent males and females, and the shingles vaccine for adults, which protects against the viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters.
Also, with the recent rise of pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases in the U.S., the TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster is especially important for children and adults alike. The specific immunizations one needs as an adult are determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, certain high risk conditions, travel plans and previous vaccinations.
It is important to discuss vaccination needs with your physician. Cone Health has an exceptional network of primary care, women’s health and other related healthcare providers dedicated to ensuring the well-being of families throughout our community through vaccinations, regular exams and other preventative health techniques.
Dr. Deborah Schoenhoff is the medical director at the Women’s Health Network located at Cone Health MedCenter High Point. As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Scheonhoff also received advanced training and certification as a Certified Menopause Practitioner from the North American Menopause Society in May 2011. She is a 1989 graduate of University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Moses Cone Hospital in 1994.