---

If you're an adult, you probably think you've already had all of your vaccinations.

Think again.

Consider the MMR vaccine for mumps, measles and rubella (Ger man measles). If you're between the ages of 30 and 50 you were immu nized as a child, right?

Based on recent events, you should probably check with your physician, health officials say.

`` Probably one of the biggest con cerns is measles,'' said Dr. Dora So, an internal medicine specialist with Attleboro Medical Associates. `` People born before 1957 are assumed to have immunity because measles was rampant,'' she explained. The concern is for people who received the initial vaccinations which may have been given improp erly or that were later found to be ineffective.

`` There was such a rush to vaccinate when it came out in the early 1960s,'' So said.

Antibodies neutralized

Many vaccinations were given before the age of 1, she explained, and because there is a high number of antibodies in a baby's system at that age, it neutralized the MMR vaccine.

In addition, a `` killed'' vaccine was used at that time, which has since proven to be less effective than a version of the `` live'' virus vaccine now used, she said.

`` People did not develop the anti bodies,'' she said. `` So there are peo ple walking around out there thinking they're vaccinated, and they're not.''

Does that mean another shot? Perhaps.

So recommends asking your physician to conduct a quick blood test to determine whether you have the appropriate antibodies or to see if the vaccine `` took,'' especially for the age group at risk.

Increased globalization of society is another reason to make sure peo ple are immunized against measles and other diseases, So said.

She noted the recent outbreak of measles in Boston, which was traced to a person from India who was not immunized before coming to the United States. If you've never had chicken pox, you might want a blood test for that, as well. As an adult, the disease poses more danger and potentially can be fatal, So said.

And a booster for tetanus is rec ommended for adults every five to 10 years `` even if you're age 100,'' said Jacquie O'Brien, public health nurse with the Attleboro Health Department.

Local public health nurses administer many of the recommend ed vaccines for free or for a mini mal fee through the state's immu nization program.

O'Brien said newer vaccines cover tetanus along with diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Current recommendations for adult immunizations also includes a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccina tion starting at age 65.

Recent recommendations for the flu vaccine have been expanded to include more age groups, health officials say.

`` We would like for people who are 50 and older to get the flu vaccine,'' So said.

High-risk environments

In addition, people who work in what are considered high-risk envi ronments, such as health care or schools, should also consider getting a flu shot.

Health officials say people who want a flu shot should wait until fall. Every year the vaccine differs, since it is based on the common strains of virus from the previous year, So said.

`` It's like the new model car,'' she said. `` It's the new model vaccine.''

Typically flu shots are adminis tered between September and December.

Health officials say that while the supplies of the flu vaccine have been limited in the past, the government has said there will be enough to meet demand this winter.

Local health departments regular ly schedule walk-in clinics in the fall and winter to administer flu shots.

O'Brien said city residents rec ommended to receive the flu shot should start looking for walk-in clin ics to be scheduled in November. Individual appointments can also be made around that time.

A Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended for people in health care and schools, as well as young adults, especially college students who live in dormitories or group housing, So said.

In many cases, colleges are requiring students to have that immunization along with the MMR vaccination.

Those who are pregnant or who have compromised immune systems should check with their physician before receiving any vaccination.