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?
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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.