Polio, diphtheria, measles, mumps, German measles… illnesses that were once a major source of worry for parents and doctors are little more than an after thought today. Vaccination programs have now safeguarded roughly three generations of children from a host of illnesses, and they continue to keep kids safe from nearly a dozen diseases.

Currently children are vaccinated against 11 different afflictions before they start school: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus (lockjaw), polio, rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), mumps, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B and two causes of meningitis: H. flu and Pneumococcus.

But vaccinations aren’t just kid stuff. It’s important that adults make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Experience in other parts of the world shows that epidemics start when the population’s immunity against certain diseases is allowed to wane. The best way to make sure these troublesome illnesses remain distant memories is to keep everyone inoculated properly. So grown-ups, here are a few vaccinations to keep in mind.

Tetanus shots should be given every 10 years, or sooner if you have a cut contaminated with soil. Contrary to popular belief, rust does not cause tetanus. Rusty metal is often in contact with soil where tetanus bacteria live, thus the confusion. Most doctors give tetanus boosters combined with a diphtheria vaccine. Diphtheria is characterized by a severe respiratory illness along with heart and nerve damage. It has not been a significant threat since the early 20^th century, but there have been outbreaks in Russia, caused primarily by decreased attention to public vaccination against the disease.

Any adult who might come into contact with blood or blood products—health care and laboratory workers, for instance—should receive the three shot series for hepatitis B. Currently all children are being immunized against hepatitis B to reduce the risk of hepatitis B associated liver cancer. The vaccine is quite safe and since hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual contact, it’s not unreasonable any adult to get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for people over 65 and for people with chronic medical problems. It’s also good for anyone who simply wants to cut their risk of contracting the flu. Those exposed to the public regularly—such as teachers, child care workers, or healthcare professionals—might benefit in particular.

Pneumonia can be caused by many different types of bacteria, but the Strep bacterium can cause death in older people in just a few days. Risk of serious Strep pneumonia increases after age 50 or in anyone chronically ill. Although it is offered for healthy people over 50, a pneumonia vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone over 65 and anyone with diabetes, heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems.

Meningitis can be caused by several bacteria and viruses. Close living arrangements, such as, college dorms and military barracks increase the risk of contagion. College students living in a dorm should receive a meningitis vaccination to reduce the risk of meningitis. In fact, in Pennsylvania it’s now law that students get vaccinated against meningitis.

Studies are being done to test the benefit of boosting immunity to the bacterium that causes whooping cough. While adults develop whooping cough or pertussis infections with prolonged and distressing cough, it can be fatal in infants. Adults serve as carriers and immunization of adults would serve to reduce the risk to infants.

Smallpox has been a newsworthy item since last year’s anthrax attacks. People born before 1972 and those who have served in the military received routine smallpox vaccinations. Immunity lasts at least ten years, more if revaccinated. At this time, there is no reason for anyone to receive smallpox vaccination since the risks of complications from the vaccine far outweigh the risk of the disease. While the disease has been pushed into the public consciousness since 9/11, there have been no reported cases of smallpox in the U.S. for generations.

In you plan to do international traveling, you may need vaccinations for hepatitis A, cholera, yellow fever or other diseases depending on your plans. Recommendations change frequently. Your physician will consult the Centers for Disease Control for current information.

Whether you travel or not, the easiest way to stay current in your immunizations is to see your doctor regularly and ask if your shots are current. Staying in tune with your vaccination record is the best way to keep you and the public safe from the bacterial dinosaurs of the past.