A: Dr. Koop recommends the following routine immunizations for adults:

• Influenza Vaccine (flu shot) is recommended annually in the fall (best in October or November).
• Pneumonia Vaccine (Pneumovac) is recommended for adults over 65 years of age.  A repeat dose after 7 to 10 years is also recommended.  For adults with chronic diseases including lung disease, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease and diabetes, this vaccine should be given earlier and can be repeated every 5 years.  This is also an important vaccine for patients who  have had their spleen removed or a cochlear implant.
• Tetanus/diptheria vaccine every 10 years for all adults.  For adults less than 65 they should receive a combination Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis vaccine.
• Shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is indicated for adults over 50 who have had chickenpox but not shingles.  It appears to be good for at least 8 years and is about 50-65% effective to prevent shingles.  For people who get shingles despite the vaccine, the intensity of shingles tends to be less.  It is being given to patients who have already had shingles, however, it is less well proven for this indication and is not FDA approved for this reason.  The risk of a recurrent episode of shingles is low, probably about 3% to 5%.