Routine immunizations are just as important for adults as they are for children. Approximately 60,000 adults in the United States die each year of diseases that are preventable by vaccine. Following are vaccines available for adults and the latest guidelines to help protect your health:

Hepatitis B Vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses over a period of months to protect against liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. People get this virus from intercourse with an infected person or exposure to the blood of an infected person. Anyone with another sexually transmitted disease and/or is not in a monogamous relationship should get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Influenza Vaccine. The influenza vaccine is an annual vaccine to help protect against strains of influenza expected to circulate that year. This vaccine is available as an injection for all ages and as a nasal spray for those under 50. The influenza vaccine is particularly important for adults age 50 and over, pregnant women and adults with a chronic health condition such as heart disease.

Herpes Zoster Vaccine. The herpes zoster vaccine is a one-time vaccine to protect against shingles. Shingles is a painful illness characterized by a rash with blister-like lesions and nerve pain that lingers after an outbreak. Shingles and chickenpox are both members of the herpes family. Shingles generally occurs after age 40. The herpes zoster vaccine is particularly important for adults over 60 because a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox is more common in this age group. Even people who have had shingles should get the vaccine as long as it has been a year since they had an episode.

Pneumococcal Vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is a one-time shot that protects against the strains of bacteria that are the leading causes of pneumonia. This vaccine is particularly important for adults 65 and older, adults who have a chronic health condition, adults who are immuno-compromised, or are missing their spleen. All adults should get this booster shot even if they were immunized against these diseases as a child. Be sure to get the newer Tdap version to protect against these diseases.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

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