This week for National Immunization Awareness Month we’re highlighting adult patients! Make sure your adult patients stay up to date with their routine immunizations recommended for their age or health conditions. Immunizations are needed throughout our lives, as some wear off over time. Older adults and those with chronic diseases are especially at higher risk for complications, severe illness, or hospitalization from vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunizations are also needed throughout our lives, as some wear off over time. So, let them know that it is important to keep their immune systems up to date with immunizations, just like we update our phones and computers to keep them virus-free.
Additionally, older adults are also at higher risk of hospitalization or death from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). New RSV vaccines for adults 60+ are coming this fall. CDC now recommends that eligible adults talk to their doctor about receiving one dose of RSV vaccine, using shared clinical decision-making. Getting patients caught up on all recommended immunizations limits spread of disease and protects them and their loved ones. Use every patient encounter to offer and strongly recommend immunizations. Follow ACIP’s Adult Immunization Schedule (19+) and Standards of Adult Immunization Practice to administer recommended vaccines appropriately and increase vaccination rates among adults.