Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except that:

• Some adults were never vaccinated as children
• Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
• Immunity can begin to fade over time
• As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus)

Vaccines for adults include:

• Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine (all adults, every 10 years)
• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (adults 50 and older)
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (in Alaska 55 and older or at risk)
• Hepatitis B Vaccine (adults at risk)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (susceptible adults)
• Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine (susceptible adults)
• Vaccines for travelers (see CDC travel web site for specifics)
  
  

About the Booster Rooster

The Alaska Immunization Program encourages all immunization providers, public and private, to participate in the 2005 Year of the Booster – Adult Immunization Campaign to whatever level is possible and to collaborate on special Booster events such as health fairs, community events and other immunization opportunities. Special “Year of the Booster” event materials are available: posters, flyers, an adult immunization record (green cards), and Td wallet cards. The campaign mascot is the Booster Rooster. A “One-size fits all” Booster Rooster costume is available on loan for use at immunization events. Contact Doreen Stangel at 269-8000 or 888-430-4321 or immune@health.state.ak.us for more information.

You can order Year of the Booster materials online or by faxing in an order form.

Links

Governor Murkowski's Proclamation for Year of the Booster

Adult Immunization Information page

Epidemiology Bulletin: Year of the Booster

List of vaccines for adults

What vaccines do you need? - Adult and adolescent vaccine "Quiz"

Teen and College Student Vaccine information

Additional information and links to information about adult and adolescent immunization

Adult Immunization Screening Questionnaire

Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunizations

Alaska specific adult pneumococcal immunization information