Specifically, Dr. Djordjevic recommends that all adults review their history of the following inoculations with their doctors:

Varicella (Chicken Pox) One of the most dangerous diseases as an adult. If you are an adult and have not had chicken pox or are unsure, a simple blood test can tell you if you have antibodies in your system. If you dont have evidence of this you can take the simple two-step vaccine. The older you get, the worse the symptoms will be if you do get this disease, and it is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Flu Shot Even if you never get the flu or have received flu vaccinations in the past, you need an annual update of the flu shot, especially if you are very young, over 65 years old or compromised by some other disease. The flu strain is different every year, and every year the flu kills 50-70,000 people in the U.S. Pneumonia Shot Important for everyone over 65 and those with pulmonary disease or other serious illnesses. Pneumonia kills over 60,000 people a year, with mortality rates increasing significantly with age. Shingles Vaccination A relatively new vaccine, and an expensive one (but cost-effective if you get an outbreak and need to pay for pain and anti-viral medications), but it can prevent a very painful outbreak. In one out of five people, the herpes zoster virus awakens and develops into shingles. It generally presents itself in a rash preceded by burning, constant aching and shooting pains on one side of the body. Those who have had chicken pox are primarily at risk. Older people and those with cancer, HIV or organ transplants have a decreased ability to fight off infection and a greater chance of getting shingles. Tetanus Vaccination Skin wounds that get dirt in them can become infected with the tetanus bacteria and cause lockjaw. This inoculation should be given to adults every 10 years. Meningitis Vaccination College freshmen who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease. This infection is typically life-threatening. Tetanus Pertussis Diphtheria Immunization Until recently, it was not recommended that adults get this whooping cough booster inoculation due to the potential side effects. But improvements in vaccination technologies, as well as new scientific studies showing that 20 percent of adults with a cough that lasts over a week have whooping cough, have caused medical experts to re-evaluate the benefits of a whooping cough booster. Gardasil A brand new vaccine for young girls and women ages 9-26 years is given in three shots over a six-month period. It is the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) These vaccines are commonly given to children 11-12 months old and again when they are 5-6 years old, but should be updated in women with two doses six months apart before becoming pregnant and/or adults attending college or who work in medical facilities. If you are an adult and have not had the series of shots or are unsure, a simple blood test can tell you if you have antibodies in your system. If you dont have immunity to Measles, Mumps, or Rubella you can get vaccinated as an adult. Hepatitis B Shot Over 350 million people in the world are infected with HBV. Everyone under 18 should be vaccinated. Sexually active adults over 18, healthcare workers, firefighters or other emergency personnel should be inoculated against this infectious disease that ultimately destroys the liver.

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