Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
08:04

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Published on: July 9, 2014

Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and herpes zoster: immunization guidelines for adults

Tami Hendriksz1, Philip Malouf, James E Foy

  • 1Division of Pediatrics, Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA 94592-1187, USA. tami.hendriksz@tu.edu

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|November 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Adults need recommended vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, and herpes zoster. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these adult immunizations to prevent serious illnesses and complications.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Vaccinations are often perceived as primarily for children.
  • Adult immunization is crucial for preventing infectious diseases and their complications.
  • Specific vaccines are recommended for adult populations based on age and risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To inform healthcare professionals about essential vaccines for adults.
  • To review the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), varicella, and herpes zoster vaccines.
  • To highlight the importance of adult vaccination for public health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current vaccination guidelines for adults.
  • Discussion of the diseases prevented by MMR, varicella, and herpes zoster vaccines.
  • Outline of recommended vaccination schedules and contraindications.

Main Results:

  • Two doses of MMR and varicella vaccines are recommended for adults without prior immunization or contraindications.
  • A single dose of the herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for adults aged 60 and older.
  • These vaccines protect against potentially severe illnesses with significant public health impact.

Conclusions:

  • Adult vaccination is a critical component of lifelong health maintenance.
  • Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about adult immunization schedules.
  • Implementing recommended adult vaccines reduces disease burden and improves population health outcomes.

More Related Videos

Immunization of Adult Zebrafish for the Preclinical Screening of DNA-based Vaccines05:39

Immunization of Adult Zebrafish for the Preclinical Screening of DNA-based Vaccines

Published on: October 30, 2018

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen07:44

Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...