Updates of adult immunization in Korea
10.5124/jkma.2020.63.2.128
- Author:
Hyun Young SHIN
1
;
Byung Wook YOO
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Adult herpes zoster;
Immunization;
Pneumococcal vaccines;
Vaccination
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Adult;
Aged;
Chickenpox;
Chronic Disease;
Communicable Diseases;
Diphtheria;
Encephalitis, Japanese;
Hepatitis A Vaccines;
Herpes Zoster;
Humans;
Immunization Programs;
Immunization;
Infant;
Internationality;
Korea;
Measles;
Mumps;
Pneumococcal Vaccines;
Prevalence;
Rubella;
Streptococcus pneumoniae;
Tetanus;
Vaccination;
Whooping Cough
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2020;63(2):128-134
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
An increase in the number of patients with infectious diseases in Korea, can be attributed to various factors, such as the prevalence of new infectious diseases of the 21st century, the re-emergence of past infectious diseases, an increase in the number of elderly individuals, patients with chronic diseases, immune deficiency, and globalization. In this context, vaccination becomes vital for the adult population. Although, the guidelines for adult immunization are currently being updated, the rate of adult vaccination remains lower than that of infant vaccination. At present, the major challenges for increasing the rate of adult immunization include negative views on the need for some immunizations and a lack of understanding of group immunity among the youth. Consequently, a successful immunization program will be required to direct efforts towards educating patients and spreading awareness. Based on the current guidelines and practical applications, varicella zoster; Japanese encephalitis; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; pneumococcus; measles, mumps, and rubella; and hepatitis A vaccines could effectively be considered for adult vaccination.
