$Unique_ID{BRK00421} $Pretitle{} $Title{Tetanus-Diphtheria Injection for Older People} $Subject{immunization aging age aged elder elderly geriatric Community Social Infections diphtheria infection tetanus-diphtheria booster injection injections flu shot shots influenza vaccine pneumococcal tetanus diphtheria} $Volume{Q-0, A-0, R-0} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Tetanus-Diphtheria Injection for Older People ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I was visiting with my daughter and grandson and tagged along when they visited their physician. As the doctor was vaccinating the baby, he told me that it might be a good idea for me to get a tetanus-diphtheria injection from my physician. Before I spend the money, I thought I'd get your opinion. Is this a good idea? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: It certainly is. Although the number of cases of diphtheria have declined steadily because of routine immunization of children, there are still from 200 to 400 cases reported each year. As serious as this infection is in children, the prognosis in older people is much worse. Due to lack of routine adult immunization programs, less than 40% of adults are protected against these diseases. Yet the adult tetanus-diphtheria booster injection is almost 100% effective, with only mild reactions. About half the time there is local redness and tenderness at the site of the injection, but rarely do we see fever or generalized reactions. The current advised schedule of routine of booster injections only requires one injection every ten years. It is suggested that by having it on every birthday ending in a "5" (such as 45, 55, 65 etc.), it may be easier to remember. Of course, if a doctor's visit on your birthday is not a way you wish to celebrate, anytime during the year will do. While on the subject of immunizations, there are two other vaccines to be considered at this time of year, influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine. New "flu shots" are produced each year in anticipation of the strain expected to attack our population. Now is the right time for this protection which will be effective about two weeks after the injection and continue for six months. Pneumococcal vaccine is also advised for older citizens, and one of these will last you for a lifetime, according to current recommendations. It too can be given now, at the same visit when you are getting your flu injection. The pneumonias that can result from infections of Influenza and pneumococcus are particularly severe in persons over the age of 65, and protecting yourself now really makes good sense. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.