Voters at two polling sites in Salt Lake City and Ogden will be given the opportunity to catch up on their adult immunizations as part of a pilot program sponsored by the Utah Adult Immunization Coalition.

Those who cast ballots at Northwest Multi-Purpose Center, 1300 West and 300 North in Salt Lake City, or at Ogden's Walquist Junior High, 1033 N. 1200 West, won't be limited to selecting candidates. They can also select vaccine for Hepatitis A and B, pneumonia, tetanus and — if they are in a high-risk category and supplies hold up — influenza.

The program is called Vaccinate and Vote, and the sites were selected based on statewide population and health data, said committee chairwoman Rebecca Ward. Coalition members sought polling places in areas where many adults could benefit from getting vaccinations.

It's modeled after a project done in Virginia and the coalition partnered with the Utah Department of Health to try it out in Utah. The program this year is being run by 15 different groups across the country, funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"Some adults do continue with their vaccinations, but many don't," Ward said. "A lot of people do get the flu vaccine every year, when it's out there. But they may not think about something like pneumonia."

The pneumonia vaccine is called a one-time vaccine, but if someone had it before age 65 and it has been at least five years, it should be repeated, she said. At most, it should be given every few years, based on a physician's recommendation.

In a release announcing the program, Dr. DeVon Hale, co-chairman of the committee, hailed Election Day as a great time to reach large numbers of adults in one location. "Great effort is expended to get people to the polls on Election Day. The Vaccinate and Vote Program will allow us to vaccinate and educate many people who may otherwise not be reached. In light of the shortage of flu vaccine this season, it is imperative that people take all precautions to ensure they stay healthy."

Other precautions against infectious diseases include avoiding people who are sick and isolating yourself when you become ill, covering your mouth, washing your hands and not touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Other good personal habits include getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, drinking lots of water and eating nutritious food.

The vaccinations are available on a fee-for-service basis. Low-income adults may qualify for free vaccinations. Information about the initiative and adult immunizations can be obtained by calling the Immunization Hotline, 800-275-0659.

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