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Adult Vaccination Rates Too Low
Week of February 25 - When’s the last time you got vaccinated? If you’re like most Americans it’s been years… maybe even decades. In fact the Centers for Disease Control is warning tonight that far too few American adults are being vaccinated against serious, even deadly diseases. Dr. David Winter tells us more in tonight’s HealthSource report.
DR. WINTER
They’re not just for kids.
DR. WILLIAM SUTKER
Chief of Infectious Diseases
Baylor University Medical Center
“There’s always been an emphasis in pediatrics on prevention, and immunizations are a big part of that—but adult medicine hasn’t caught up.”
DR. WINTER
A new study by the Centers for Disease Control found that less than five% of American adults are up-to-date on all their immunizations.
DR. WILLIAM SUTKER
“I think people don’t realize the number of deaths that occur because of infectious diseases every year.”
DR. WINTER
So what should you be vaccinated against? All adults over 50, or those with diabetes or heart disease should get the flu and pneumonia vaccines. But it’s estimated just over half do.
DR. WILLIAM SUTKER
“I think the flu shot and the pneumonia shot are grossly underutilized.”
DR. WINTER
All those over 60 should also be vaccinated against the shingles… while just two-percent currently are. (pause) And now there’s yet another concern—whooping cough.
DR. WILLIAM SUTKER
“Because adults haven’t been immunized against whooping cough in years, the illness is now starting to show up in adults and so that’s why there’s been a new emphasis trying to immunize adults again.”
DR. WINTER
So now you can add the whooping cough vaccine to the list. That’s given in combination with the diphtheria and tetnus booster-- which you should get every 10 years. Experts say the results of this major study prove not nearly enough emphasis is put on adult immunizations-- which can be lifesaving.
DR. WILLIAM SUTKER
“So although it seems we’re more concerned with heart disease and cancer, I think the public needs to know that infectious diseases are still out there and are a potential cause of problems.”
DR. WINTER
For Baylor Health Care System, I’m Dr. David Winter.
ANCHOR TAG
Experts recommend you talk to your doctor about exactly which vaccines you may need.