Immunization for adults, these 9 types of vaccines are required

Many people think that vaccines are only needed by infants and toddlers. In fact, adults with high job demands, active lifestyles, or health conditions that require more protection also need immunizations. In addition to building antibodies in the body, vaccines for adults can prevent the spread of the disease from spreading.

Unfortunately, adult awareness of the importance of vaccination is still low, mainly due to the lack of information available. Find out what types of vaccines you need most of the following.

What are the different types of vaccines for adults?

Vaccination is the process of giving vaccines to build immunity against infectious diseases. In general, the dose of the vaccine for adults is given by injection.

Vaccines can consist of components of microorganisms that have been attenuated or proteins made through biotechnological engineering so that they can trigger the formation of antibodies. So, when a virus or bacteria enters the body and is ready to infect, the body already has the immunity to ward off the infection.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health requires you to get 5 types of vaccines in the basic immunization program for children, namely BCG (tuberculosis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccines. .

Those of you who haven't received this vaccine as a child still need to get immunized as soon as possible. Apart from the five vaccines above, there are also several other types of vaccines that adults should get.

1. Influenza vaccine

Influenza or the flu is a very common disease experienced by many people. This disease is usually characterized by cough, fever and muscle aches.

Although the symptoms are mild and go away on their own, influenza is very contagious and the infection can be fatal in some people. Especially in the elderly, active smokers, people with heart, respiratory and kidney problems.

Therefore, adults should get 1 dose of influenza vaccine that is given once a year. To prevent the spread of flu further, you can get vaccinated during the rainy season or transition.

2. Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disease caused by infection with the streptococcus bacteria which attacks the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.

In addition, this bacterial infection can also cause meningitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain. The bacteria that cause pneumonia are spread by coughing, sneezing and when speaking.

The immunization needed to fight streptococcal bacterial infection is through the PCV vaccine. According to the CDC, there are 2 PCV vaccines for adults, namely 1-2 doses of PCV13 vaccine or 1 dose of PPSV23.

Adults who are most advised to do PCV immunization are those who are less than 65 years of age and experience:

Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD
People with autoimmune diseases or other immune deficiency conditions
Kidney disorders
Active smoker

Seniors over 65 years of age are also recommended to receive 1 dose of PCV vaccine.

3. DPT vaccine

The DPT vaccine is one of the vaccinations that must be given to children. However, adults need to re-immunize at least every 10 years. Especially for health workers, pregnant women, and babysitters.

The DPT vaccine serves to provide protection against three infectious diseases, namely:

Diphtheria which causes breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death
Pertussis or whooping cough
Tetanus which causes muscle spasms and extreme tightening of the jaw muscles

4. Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A is an acute disease caused by the hepatitis A virus which is spread through the faeces or feces of sufferers.

Transmission of this disease usually occurs through food. Therefore, adults whose professions are related to cooking and serving food activities need to get hepatitis A immunization.

Hepatitis A can affect children, so the vaccine is generally given when the child is 2 years old. However, this vaccination also needs to be repeated every 10 years through two doses of vaccine. The second dose is given 6 months after the first dose.

5. HPV vaccine

Cervical cancer in women is cancer caused by infection Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This viral infectious disease is transmitted through sexual contact.

For a more optimal preventive effect, it is highly recommended that you receive the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active. Early vaccine administration can increase the efficacy of vaccines in preventing cervical cancer.

That is why vaccines should indeed be given to adolescent girls aged 11 or 12 years. However, adults who have not been immunized against HPV infection can get it immediately.

There are two types of HPV vaccines in Indonesia, namely HPV (16 and 18) and HPV (6,11,16,18). In general, you will need three doses of vaccine for maximum protection.

The second dose of HPV vaccine can be given 1 to 2 months after the first immunization. While the third dose can be given 6 months after the first dose of vaccine.

6. Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. If left untreated, this disease can cause acute or chronic liver inflammation which in a minority of cases can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

This vaccine should be given when you are born with an additional dose every 6 months as a toddler. However, adults who are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B also need to get hepatitis B immunization as adults, such as:

Health worker at the hospital
People who frequently change sexual partners
Drug users
People with sexually transmitted diseases

7.Masles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is given to prevent three diseases, namely measles or measles, mumps or mumps, and rubella or German measles.

This vaccine is given if you work in a health care facility and travel a lot. You will need two doses of the vaccine at least 4 weeks apart. Vaccines can be repeated every 10 years.

8. Varicella vaccine

The varicella vaccine is given to adults who have never had chickenpox, people who are close to people with chickenpox or healthy adults who are not pregnant.

Apart from preventing chickenpox, varicella immunization can also prevent the appearance of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults who have been infected with chickenpox.

You will need to get 2 doses of the varicella vaccine 4-8 weeks apart. Vaccines can be repeated every 20 years.

Varicella vaccine is made from live viruses. That is why you are generally not recommended to do this immunization if you have a health condition that weakens the body's immune system (such as cancer or HIV) or is undergoing medical treatment (such as steroids or chemotherapy).

9. Other vaccines

Certain vaccines are recommended for adults, especially when traveling to certain countries. One of them is the meningitis vaccine given to pilgrims and Umrah participants or those of you who want to travel to countries on the African continent.

In addition, immunization yellow fever and japanese encephalitis it may also be given if you are traveling to a South African country.

The rabies vaccine can also be a series of immunizations as adults, especially for those who have frequent contact with animals, such as: