The vaccination schedule for them is determined by the state. Other adults often do not even think about vaccinations. And if pediatricians strictly monitor the vaccination of children, then adults need to track this independently.
In our country there are certain categories of citizens who are vaccinated regularly. These are medical and social workers, military men who serve in remote regions, food industry workers.
Everyone who plans vaccination raises many questions. We asked Andrei Besedin to answer the most common of them.
In what situations do adults need to consider vaccination?
1. You were not vaccinated as a child
Vaccinations against many dangerous diseases are recommended in childhood. But if for some reason the vaccination has not been given, discuss with the therapist the possibility of getting the vaccine in adulthood. This applies, for example, to hepatitis A vaccines, hepatitis B, meningitis, chickenpox and some other diseases.
2. The vaccine was done a long time ago, revaccination is necessary
After some vaccinations, immunity to the pathogen is not formed for life, but only for a certain period: for a year, five or ten years – depending on the type of vaccine. Then the vaccine needs to be done again. Adults need revaccination, for example, for flu and tetanus.
Specially for the Challenger, Andrey Besedin prepared this table. With its help, you can easily determine what vaccinations you need to do.
Important! Not all vaccines are registered in Russia. So, a vaccination against some types of meningitis or shingles can only be done abroad.
3. Are you planning a trip
Before the trip, ask your doctor what diseases are common in a particular region and what vaccinations are best done (this information should also be available from a tour operator). Before traveling to Siberia, be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis, before traveling to some countries in Africa, South America, Asia – vaccinations against yellow fever, typhoid fever, dysentery.
4. Emergency vaccination needed
If the risk of infection is high, vaccination should be carried out immediately. For example, after a bite of wild animals will have to urgently get vaccinated against rabies. If you have had contact with someone who has chickenpox, vaccination may also be required in some cases.
5. Are you planning a pregnancy
There are diseases, such as rubella, which can adversely affect the development of the fetus. If you are planning a pregnancy, consult your doctor and make a list and schedule of necessary vaccinations.
Can I get several vaccinations at once?
Yes. Most vaccines can be administered at the same time (after consulting a doctor), and this will not affect their effectiveness. However, drugs should be administered in different parts of the patient’s body.
Is vaccination safe?
In most cases, yes. Usually, in healthy people, vaccines cause only minor side effects (fever, mild malaise). However, the risk of complications cannot be completely ruled out – discuss possible body reactions with your doctor in advance. But those who consciously refuse vaccination without good reason are much more at risk.
When can I get vaccinated?
Some – before the start of the incidence season. For example, it is better to get vaccinated against flu in late summer – early fall. Vaccinations against many other diseases can be done at any time of the year.
And when should vaccination be postponed?
If you have a fever or, for example, the first day of SARS, you should not go for vaccination. But this does not apply to emergency vaccination. After an animal bite, rabies vaccination is done anyway.
What to do if I missed one of the vaccinations?
Every effort must be made to comply with the recommended schedule. But if you missed the vaccine, there is no need to start the whole scheme all over again. You can be vaccinated as soon as you have the opportunity, and then return to the original plan.
