Lawrence K Lief, D.O.

Family Practice

Lawrence K Lief, DO, is a graduate of Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Lief completed his Internship at Brentwood Hospital and is Board Certified in Family Practice. He also has staff privileges at St. John Medical Center.

Dr. Lief's special interest is in Family Practice including osteopathic manipulation therapy. His extracurricular activities include jogging and biking.

Contact Information

440-777-3500
26908 Detroit Rd, Suite 201 Westlake, OH
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Articles

What immunization shots should an adult get?

Many adults are unaware of what immunization shots, if any, are needed and should discuss this with their physician during their annual physical. Assuming they have had their immunizations up to the age of 19 certain "booster" and several new shots should be considered.

Is a tetanus diphtheria booster 10 years after the last tetanus shot and a tetanus diphtheria shot every 10 years thereafter. Adults under the age of 65 who have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months should get the whooping cough (pertussis) booster added to this booster once if its been at least five years since their last tetanus/diphtheria shot.

Most folks are aware of the annual flu shot. It is usually given in October and November but getting the vaccines even later will still be beneficial in most years for as long as the illness is occurring in your community. It can occur anytime from November through May but most often peaks in January and February.

There is a pneumonia shot that is recommended for adults with chronic disorders like asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart, liver, kidney disease and an absence of spleen as well as the immune suppressed elderly or those that are living with the elderly. A onetime revaccination after 5 years is advised and if 65 or older, a onetime revaccination if they were vaccinated over 5 years previously and where less than 65 at the initial shot.

Aside from these rather established immunizations there is now: 1.) A "shingles" shot for Herpes zoster that is recommended for adults 60 and older. Herpes zoster infection is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus in people who have had chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles include a rash and severe pain. The pain due to neuralgia sometimes can last for months or years. 2.) We now have a series of three shots for HPV (human papilloma virus) for all females age 11-26 that have not had this shot before to help prevent cervical cancer. 3.) There is a shot for meningitis which a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis which is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can also infect blood. It is recommended for all children age 11-18, college freshman who live in dorms, and people over12 years old who lack a spleen and certain travelers.

Those adults who travel to certain countries need to check for additional recommended vaccinations for that area.

Specific information is available online: Visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx to learn more.

Consequently adults should discuss immunizations with their physician who can inform them as to which shots they are a candidate for.

For further information online you can visit www.ama-assn.org/lgo/adultvaccines .