By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter

Demetrius Taylor, 30, knows that he received immunizations as a child, because he has the skin-scarring mark on his right shoulder to prove it. He even recalls being re-vaccinated at the age of nine during his primary school years, but he hasn't had one since.

Dr. Eleanor Fung Chung of the Epcot Medical Center, Collins Av., says there are many people like Taylor who don't realize that they should have their immunizations updated every 10 years, and that re-immunizations are just as important as those first immunizations they received as a child.

"Most parents are concerned about the health and safety of their children and take steps to protect them," says Dr. Fung Chung. "From as early as the antenatal period, expectant mothers are educated about the benefits of immunization, because vaccines are one way that parents can protect their children and vaccines are recommended for every child born in The Bahamas. But in the case of themselves, most adults fail to be concerned about the need to renew vaccinations and there is a need."

This was something Taylor did not know. "During the time diseases like measles and the mumps were around there was an outbreak, but I haven't heard of anyone having the mumps, measles since I was a little boy. Out of sight, out of mind, so why should I worry about it," said Taylor, a hospitality industry worker.

Like Taylor, Dr. Fung Chung said that before vaccines, many people, including children, died from diseases that vaccines now prevent such as measles and polio. But she said that unfortunately, the germs that cause these diseases still exist, but now people are now protected by vaccines, which is why the diseases aren't seen as often anymore.

"Doctors have found that in some cases, newborn babies may be immune to many diseases because they acquire some immunity from their mothers, however, this immunity is transitory — lasting only a month to about a year. Additionally, babies do not have maternal immunity against other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough. Therefore, if a child is not vaccinated and is exposed to a disease, the child's body may not be strong enough to fight off the disease. This same theory applies to adults," she said.

"The point of immunization is to stop the spread of Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Haemophilus influenza (Hib), Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B — all serious issues. And if adults are not protected against them they could contract them and potentially die in some cases," said Dr. Fung Chung. "Look at tetanus, if you have not been vaccinated and you get tetanus that can kill you because all the muscles in the body can tighten up and then doctors may have to put you on the respirator to breath."

She also says that new vaccinations for the measles, mumps and rubella are just as important even though these issues are not life-threatening in most cases.

"With the measles, mumps and rubella its important to get vaccinated more because it's uncomfortable to have [those diseases] and to prevent congenital non-formation during pregnancy. If [a female] gets one of these illnesses then [she's] more likely to have a baby come out with mental retardation, problems with their eyes or their heart, so it's important to note that we give these things not to be mean to people but to protect them."

Dr. Fung Chung said that for adults the two major immunizations to be considered include a Diphtheria shot and a Measles, Mumps and Rubella shot. "The DT, which covers you for Tetanus and Diphtheria, should be done once every 10 years. This is mainly because the antibodies that have developed to the vaccine goes down at that time, which of course you do not want to happen. Then of course, if the adult hasn't had a renewed Hepatitis shot we usually recommend it depending on their lifestyle. Generally, people who work in the health-care field are more prone to this because it is transmitted via blood and of course people who are working with patients are more prone to getting stuck with needles.

"In terms of the MMR, which focuses on Measles, Mumps and Rubella, we usually recommend a second vaccine, although we used to say that you only need one for a lifetime after you reach the age of one, but doctors have now found that we need to re-immunize because patents usually develop something called blocking antibodies to the vaccination. We know that there are a lot of people out there who have only gotten one shot, so I want to say that if they didn't have a second one they should."

The medical professional said that immunizations for Pertussis and HIB are not usually given again because it usually affects younger children. "All of these immunizations are important, and the Ministry of Health offers all of these vaccinations for free," she said.

Recommended vaccines and ages for administration

* 2 months - DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus), hib (Haemophilus influenza), Hepatitis B, Polio

* 4 months - DPT, hib, Hepatitis B, Polio

* 6 months - DPT, hib, Hepatitis B, Polio

* 12 months - Measles, Mumps, Rubella

* 15 months - DPT, and hib – 1st booster

* 4 – 5 years - DT(Diphtheria & Tetanus), Polio and MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2nd booster

* 10 – 12 years - DT – adult booster

* Every 10 years following the booster - TT/DT

Vaccines for adults:

Diphtheria

Pertussis

Tetanus

Polio

Measles

Haemophilus influenza (Hib)

Mumps

Rubella

Hepatitis B

Getting re-vaccinated:

* Contact any community health clinic and speak with the nurse-in-charge for immunization information.

* Visit the Baillou Hill Road Clinic, which is primarily responsible for adult vaccines, either on Wednesday or Friday, 9:00 – 11:00 am.

* Participate in interview and assessment at the clinic. Bring along any immunization records that you may have.

* Receive vaccination(s).

* Receive or update immunization card with return appointment.

* Honor all subsequent appointments and recommendations.