Some vaccinations have a lifespan of 1-10 years only

When are you too old for a vaccination? Never?

Adults may have the assumption that vaccinations are something for childhood. However, not all vaccinations work for a lifetime, and some vaccinations are recommended for adults rather than children.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) dedicated its weekly DHA Twitter clinic to the subject of adult vaccination last week.

“The misconception that many adults have is that they do not need any more vaccines since they were vaccinated during childhood.

“However, studies have shown that not all vaccines are effective for life,” said Abdulla Al Rasasi, Specialist Registrar at the Preventive Services Sector of the DHA.

“The general span of effectiveness of a vaccine can range from a year to 10 years, and a booster dose of some vaccines which are taken during childhood need to be taken in adulthood to induce immunity.”

At the same time, there are vaccinations that are only recommended from early adulthood, or from the age of 65. Adults who are traveling or who are immunocompromised require additional vaccination.

“Adult vaccination is one of the most important tools for reducing morbidity and mortality not just in the elderly, but in other members of the society by increasing herd immunity, reducing severe clinical outcomes and helping in eradication of a disease,” writes the DHA in its Immunisation Guideline.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed the Global Immunisation Vision and Strategy (GIVS) 2006-2015, in response to the challenges of an increasingly globally interdependent world.

Adult vaccination plays an important role in this strategy.

“The WHO specific goals directed at adults immunisation include elimination of diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus, at least a 75 per cent reduction in the number of cases of hepatitis A and B, and 90 per cent compliance with routine administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines,” writes the DHA.

Which vaccinations are recommended?

Tdap or Td

From the age of 19, the DHA recommends the Tdap vaccine, which protects adults from three potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Because the pertussis vaccine can be given to children, it is common for adults to follow a Td vaccination scheme protecting against tetanus and diphtheria.

“A primary course for adults is a 3 dose series of tetanus and diphtheria containing Td vaccines at 0, 4 and 12 weeks. For adults who have not received a dose of Tdap previously, one dose of Td should be replaced by Tdap,” advises the DHA.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

All international regulatory bodies recommend vaccination of all adults with the influenza  vaccine annually, according to the DHA.

“A flu vaccine is a yearly vaccine and is given during the flu season,” explained Al Rassasi.

Care should be taken to take only the parenteral, inactivated vaccine if any immunocompromised state exists, the DHA tips.

MMR

The DHA recommends the MMR vaccine, a combination shot against Rubella, Measles, and Mumps.

This vaccine may be given to children and is only required once. If a person was born after 1957 and is not immune against any of the three diseases, this shot is recommended. The vaccine may not be given to pregnant women.

Varicella

The DHA recommends vaccination against Varicella, which causes chicken-pox. As this vaccine can be given to children, many adults will be immune to this virus. “The chicken pox vaccination taken as a child provides lifetime immunity,” says Al Rassasi.

“It is important for adults to consult a doctor and go through the vaccinations they took as a child, so that the doctor can guide them with the vaccines they  require.”

Herpes Zoster

For people older than 60 years old the DHA recommends the Herpes zoster vaccine, which prevents elderly from the shingles.

“Given the severe morbidity associated with post-herpetic neuralgia in the elderly, a single dose of herpes zoster vaccine is indicated for all adults over 60 years of age,” advises the DHA.

The dose should be given regardless of prior episode of Zoster.

Hepatitis A and B

The Hepatitis A and B vaccine is recommended to people who are facing certain risks.

For example, healthcare workers are recommended the Hepatitis B vaccine, while patients of a chronic liver disease are recommended both vaccines.

Travelers to certain countries should consider the vaccination too.

Meningococcal

Immunisation against meningococcal disease is required when traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, when thousands of people from different parts of the world come together in a small place.

“A meningococcal vaccine is recommended every three years, especially if the person is travelling abroad or embarking on a pilgrimage such as Hajj, Umrah or any other pilgrimage where there is a mass gathering  of people,” comments Al Rassasi.

Travelers and people with certain health risks are recommended additional vaccination depending on their situation and this list is not inclusive of all these vaccinations.

To consult the DHA Guidelines, click here:
 

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