Video Story
Watch VideoVaccines for adults
Story By: Jamie Smith
Source: NBC
Most people got immunized as babies to prevent a dozen or so serious diseases. However, there are now up to eight vaccines just for adults.
"Many adults don't feel like they're at risk or that they're vulnerable for these diseases," said Dr. Julie Morita, who heads the vaccine program at the Chicago Department of Public Health. "They think about vaccines as being for children, but there are many new and old vaccines that are recommended for adults."
Morita said that in the past three years, the government has recommended three new adult vaccines. For those who are over 60 years old, the shingles vaccine and a vaccine for whooping cough is recommended. For younger women, the HPV vaccine is recommended for the possible prevention of cervical cancer.
"Pertussis, or whooping cough, a portion of the vaccine is the most new, or the most recently recommended," Morita said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said less than 10 percent of the adult population is up to date on vaccines. Unfortunately, insurance may not cover the shots, which can cost up to $200.
So the next time you head to the doctor's office, maybe you should check on what vaccines you might need.
