CDC: Adult Vaccination Rates Low

Not nearly enough U.S. adults are getting recommended vaccines, health officials say. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the new estimates. They are based on a national survey taken in 2011. Adult vaccines protect those who get them. They also help to protect people’s close contacts, including children. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against some forms of pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. It’s recommended for people ages 65 and older. About 62% had received this vaccine, the CDC said. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Vaccination rates were up in 2011. But still only 13% of adults had ever received this shot. Another type of tetanus shot is also given, but it does not protect against whooping cough. Cases of whooping cough have greatly increased in recent years.