Saturday, April 30, 2011

Adults Vaccines - Meningitis Measles Mumps Rubella















(1) Who should have the (meningitismeningococcal) vaccine?

If you didn't already receive the meningitis vaccine as a child or adolescent, get the vaccine if you:

Are a college freshman living in a dormitory
Travel to areas of the world with a high incidence of meningitis
Have had your spleen removed

When and how often?

One dose, which you can get anytime. It's not known whether a booster shot is needed.

Who shouldn't have it?

Most healthy adults do not require this vaccine on a routine basis, but it may be recommended if you are at high risk or an outbreak occurs in your community.

(2) Measles, mumps, rubella

Who should have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine?

If you were born during or after 1957 and never had an MMR vaccination, you need to get one dose now. The following people need two doses:
Those recently exposed to measles or in an outbreak setting
Health care workers
People vaccinated with killed measles vaccine or an unknown type of vaccine from 1963 to 1967
Travelers
College students and health care workers
People who have had a rubella blood test that shows no immunity

When and how often?

One or two doses at any age, for life.

Who shouldn't get it?

Adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. Do not get an MMR vaccination if you have a weakened immune system or you are pregnant or may become pregnant within four weeks of the vaccine.