Mandatory Adult Vaccinations 2024

According to the 2024 Immunization Program in Poland, mandatory vaccinations for adults include:

• Vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis B for adults who were not previously vaccinated or are unaware of their immunity status.
• Vaccinations against hepatitis B (HBV) for dialysis patients, individuals with kidney diseases, healthcare workers, and those in high-risk groups.
• Vaccinations against rabies, diphtheria, and tetanus for individuals who have been exposed to these infectious agents.

Recommended (Supplementary) Adult Vaccinations 2024

1. Influenza vaccination
   • Recommended for: all adults, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
   • Frequency: annually, before flu season.
2. Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination
   • Recommended for: unvaccinated individuals, including healthcare workers.
   • Frequency: 3 doses in a series.
3. Pneumococcal vaccination
   • Recommended for: individuals in high-risk groups, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
   • Frequency: 1 dose.
4. Meningococcal vaccination
   • Recommended for: high-risk individuals, such as those with immune system disorders.
   • Frequency: depending on medical indications (1 or 2 doses).
5. Chickenpox vaccination
   • Recommended for: individuals who have not had chickenpox and were not vaccinated.
   • Frequency: 2 doses.
6. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccination
   • Recommended for: all adults, especially those exposed to these infections.
   • Frequency: booster every 10 years.
7. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination
   • Recommended for: individuals at risk of infection, e.g., residents of endemic areas.
   • Frequency: 3 doses, with boosters every 3-5 years.
8. COVID-19 vaccination
   • Recommended for: unvaccinated individuals, including primary and booster doses.
9. RSV vaccination
   • Recommended for: individuals over 60 years of age.

What Are Booster Vaccinations?

Booster vaccinations are additional doses of vaccines given at appropriate intervals after the initial vaccination to maintain or enhance immune protection against specific infectious diseases.
The primary goal is to restore the immune response that may weaken over time after the primary vaccination. Protection against infectious diseases is not always permanent and may require additional doses to remain effective.
An example of a vaccine requiring a booster is the DTP vaccine (against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). Other vaccines that may require boosters include those for influenza, hepatitis B, and polio.
Booster vaccinations are particularly recommended for individuals with weakened immune systems, seniors, and those at increased risk of infectious diseases due to their lifestyle or health condition.

Why Are Adult Vaccinations Important?

Adult vaccinations are as essential as childhood vaccinations because:

1. Increased susceptibility: As we age, we become more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections, which often have more severe consequences in adults and carry a higher risk of complications. Examples include pneumococcal infections, chickenpox, influenza, measles, rubella, and COVID-19.
2. Regular updates: Some vaccinations need to be repeated periodically, such as diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years, and influenza annually.
3. Cocooning strategy: Adults caring for newborns, people with disabilities, immunocompromised individuals, or the elderly may receive cocooning vaccinations to prevent posing an infection risk to those they care for.

Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which can have serious health consequences, especially for individuals with weakened immunity or chronic illnesses.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccinations are recommended for individuals over 50?

Individuals over 50 should consider the following vaccinations:

• Chickenpox vaccine: recommended for those who have not had chickenpox.
• Shingles vaccine: especially important for those with weakened immunity, as the risk of shingles increases in this age group.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia.
• Hepatitis A vaccine: particularly for those working in food-related industries or traveling to high-risk countries.
• Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: recommended before the illness season.

What vaccinations are recommended for individuals over 65?

Recommended vaccinations for individuals over 65 include:

• Meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines: if not previously administered.
• Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines: every 10 years.
• Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines: before the illness season.

What are the contraindications for vaccination?

Contraindications for vaccinations may include:

• Severe allergic reactions to vaccine components.
• Individuals with serious autoimmune diseases or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
• Febrile infections or other acute health conditions may contraindicate vaccination.
• Pregnancy.

Vaccination is preceded by a qualifying visit where the doctor decides on the eligibility for the vaccine.

How to prepare for vaccination?

Inform the doctor about any allergies or previous reactions to vaccines. Bring relevant medical documentation if required. On the day of vaccination, avoid taking painkillers and fever reducers, and ensure you are in good health. After vaccination, it is recommended to stay for observation to monitor any potential reactions.