What immunizations are recommended for individuals in St. George, Utah?

Recommended Immunizations for Individuals in St. George, Utah

All individuals in St. George, Utah should follow the CDC's annual immunization schedule based on age and risk factors, with particular attention to influenza vaccination which is recommended annually for everyone regardless of age due to immediate seasonal protection. 1

Core Adult Immunizations

For All Adults

• Influenza vaccine: Annual vaccination recommended for all individuals regardless of age 1
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap):
  • Complete primary series (3 doses) if not previously vaccinated 2
  • Booster dose every 10 years 2
  • One dose of Tdap should replace one Td booster in adults 2

Age-Specific Recommendations

• Adults 19-26 years:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccine for both males and females who have not been previously vaccinated 2

• Adults ≥50 years:

  • Zoster vaccine (RZV) to prevent shingles 1

• Adults ≥65 years or with specific risk factors:

  • Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 followed by PPSV23) 2, 1

Risk-Based Recommendations

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Recommended for:

• Sexually active persons not in long-term monogamous relationships 2
• Persons seeking evaluation/treatment for STDs 2
• Current or recent injection drug users 2
• Men who have sex with men 2
• Healthcare personnel and public safety workers 2
• Persons with diabetes under age 60 2
• Persons with end-stage renal disease, HIV infection, or chronic liver disease 2
• Household contacts/sex partners of HBV-infected persons 2
• International travelers to areas with high/intermediate HBV prevalence 2

Meningococcal Vaccine

• Recommended for college students, particularly first-year students living in dormitories 2
• Two-dose primary series for HIV-infected individuals 2

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

• Adults born after 1957 should have documentation of at least one dose 2
• Two doses recommended for:
  • College students 2
  • Healthcare workers 2
  • International travelers 2

Special Populations

Immunocompromised Individuals

• HIV-infected patients should receive:

  • Inactivated influenza vaccine 2
  • Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) 2
  • Hepatitis B vaccine series (consider high-dose) 2
  • Meningococcal vaccine (2-dose primary series) 2
  • Live vaccines generally avoided 2

• Stem cell transplant recipients:

  • Complete revaccination program starting 6-12 months post-transplant 2
  • Live vaccines contraindicated within first 24 months post-transplant 2
  • Regular assessment of seroprotection every 4-5 years 2

Pregnant Women

• Influenza and Tdap vaccines recommended during pregnancy 3
• Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) contraindicated during pregnancy 2
• Consider preconception immunization with hepatitis B and MMR 3

Important Considerations

• Contraindications: Always check for severe allergic reactions to previous doses or vaccine components 2
• Timing: Some vaccines require specific intervals between doses for optimal protection 2
• Documentation: Maintain complete immunization records to prevent unnecessary revaccination 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Missed opportunities: Use every healthcare encounter to assess and update vaccinations 4
2. Misconceptions about safety: Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety 5
3. Delaying recommended vaccines: This leaves individuals vulnerable to preventable diseases 6
4. Overlooking adult immunizations: Focus often centers on childhood vaccines, but adults need protection too 7
5. Ignoring local disease patterns: Be aware of any regional outbreaks that may necessitate additional vaccination 5

Following these recommendations will help ensure that residents of St. George, Utah receive appropriate protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality in the community.