Off to the Future: Even Healthy Young Adults Need Vaccines

Think you outgrew the need for vaccines when you graduated from high school and moved out of your parents’ house? Not so. Every year, thousands of young adults in the U. S. suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccinations.
To highlight the importance of immunizations throughout life – and to help remind young adults that they need vaccines, too – we’re joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. This is the perfect opportunity to make sure young adults are protected against diseases like flu, whooping cough, tetanus and HPV.
Some states require college students to be vaccinated against certain diseases like meningococcal disease because of the greater risk for illness to spread among students living in close quarters like dorms and student housing. The specific vaccines young adults need are determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, risk conditions, locations of travel, and previous vaccines. All young adults should talk to their health care providers about which vaccines are right for them.
Immunizations are not just for children. Even healthy young adults need protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.The truth is you never outgrow the need for immunizations.
Not sure about your immunization record? Talk to your parents, doctor, health clinic or school nurse to find out which vaccines you need to protect yourself from dangerous diseases – and keep your vax record in a safe place. And, check out more information from the CDC and the recommended vaccines for young adults.
 
Source: CDC