Quiz Yourself: Adult Immunizations

You should get this booster every 10 years.

If you got the poliovirus vaccine as a child, you are considered to be fully protected against polio. But if you travel to areas of the world where polio is still common, talk with your healthcare provider about getting a booster shot. Y You should also have a booster shot if you work in a lab that deals with polio samples, or if you are healthcare worker who treats patients who have polio.

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs caused by viruses and many kinds of bacteria. The pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccines can help protect against forms of pneumonia caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. The flu (influenza) vaccine can help protect against pneumonia caused by influenza viruses. But no vaccine can prevent all kinds of pneumonia.

The flu vaccine should be given to most babies once they are 6 months old, and to children and adults. Talk with your healthcare provider about the type of vaccine you should get.

The best time to get this shot is when it becomes available in your community, before flu season starts. This is usually in September, October, or November.

Areas of the world where hepatitis A is fairly common include Central and South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

Children routinely get this vaccine. A booster is given to women of childbearing age if their immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella is low. A simple blood test can find out your immunity.

See your healthcare provider to check on recommended vaccines before you travel to developing countries.

Chickenpox can be more serious in adults. Talk with your healthcare provider if you didn't have chickenpox as a child or didn’t have the vaccines.