The findings call for a “substantial increase” in adult vaccinations across the country. And the worry surpasses the annual flu shot, with vaccinations recommended for diseases such as pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis, and shingles.
For instance, in 2011, there were 37,000 reported cases of invasive pneumonia in the United States, which killed almost 4,000 people over the age of 50, and 9,300 adults diagnosed with whooping cough in 2012.
These statistics signal why the CDC is putting forth a serious recommendation for all older patients to get a pneumonia vaccinations, and cautions that those who opt out of vaccinations put others—particularly children, seniors, and those with low immunity—and at risk.
“Far too few adults are getting vaccinated against these important diseases, and we need to do more,” says Dr. Howard Koh, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “[Especially when] four out of five babies who got whooping cough caught it from someone in the home… a parent, sister, brother, grandparent or babysitter.”
Source: Fox News
