Update on adult immunization. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP).

This statement on adult immunization is a supplement to the "General Recommendations on Immunization" of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) (1) and updates the previous supplement published in September 1984. This statement presents an overview on immunization for adults and makes specific immunization recommendations. The statement provides information on vaccine-preventable diseases; indications for use of vaccines, toxoids, and immune globulins recommended for adults; and specific side effects, adverse reactions, precautions, and contraindications associated with use of these immunobiologics. It also gives immunization recommendations for adults in specific age groups and for those who have special immunization requirements because of occupation, life-style, travel, environmental situations, and health status. This statement is a compendium of ACIP recommendations and will not be updated regularly. The ACIP periodically reviews individual immunization statements that are published in the MMWR. The reader must use the detailed, up-to-date individual statements in conjunction with this compendium to keep abreast of current information. A list of the current ACIP recommendations for specific diseases and vaccines can be found in Appendix 1.