Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Health is urging adults to ensure they are up-to-date on all needed vaccinations.

“Some adults believe that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives, but that’s not always the case,” said state Health Secretary Everette James. “What they may not know is that some 50,000 adults die annually nationwide from vaccine preventable-diseases.”

Generally, vaccines received during childhood will protect individuals as adults. However, adults still need to consider vaccines because:
• Some adults were never vaccinated as children.
• Newer vaccines have been introduced over the years.
• Immunity can begin to fade over time.
• Age can make people more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (such as flu, pneumococcus).

To better educate adults, the department has launched the “Immunizations Across the Lifespan” campaign. It includes billboards, radio spots, posters and educational outreach activities. 

Adults should talk with their health care provider about adult vaccinations to prevent diseases like Pneumococcal disease, Zoster (shingles), Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis and Influenza. There are 10 different vaccines recommended for adults ages 20 and over.

For more information, visit www.VaccinesForLife.com or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.