The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has released the 2007-2008 recommended immunization schedules for adults in the US.
The schedule includes 11 different types of vaccines for adults, including:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Influenza
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
Key changes in this year‘s recommendations include:
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccination is recommended for all adults that have no apparent immunity to the virus
- Zoster (shingles) vaccination is advised for all adults 60 years of age and older, regardless of whether they have had a prior shingles episode
- HPV vaccine is recommended for women over the age of 26, who have not already completed the three-dose series
It is recommended that flu vaccination be administered to anyone with the following medical conditions:
- Chronic disorders of the cardiovascular or pulmonary systems, including asthma
- Chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes
- Renal or hepatic dysfunction
- Immunosuppression, including suppression caused by medications or HIV
- Pregnancy during flu season
Sources: