4 Important Vaccines for Adults
When some people hear the term “vaccines,” they think of the shots they received as children. Although children’s vaccines are essential, vaccination shouldn’t stop once a person ages out of adolescence. It’s important for adults to receive certain vaccines to stay healthy and protect against harmful infections.
The following 4 vaccines are crucial to maintaining wellness in adulthood.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The CDC recommends the influenza vaccine, commonly referred to as the flu vaccine or flu shot, annually. This vaccine is safe and effective in protecting against yearly flu variants. It also prevents serious complications from developing should you catch it.
Influenza does not affect everyone equally. Due to certain health conditions, some people are at a higher risk of experiencing severe issues if they contract the virus without vaccine protection. Although the vaccine does not ensure you will not catch the flu, it does reduce your risk of exposure by up to 60%. It also helps significantly reduce the risk of severe complications if you contract the virus that year.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease comes from the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and can infect the bloodstream or lead to pneumonia or meningitis if contracted. This disease most commonly affects young children (ages 2 and younger) and adults 65 years or older. However, it is preventable with the pneumococcal vaccine.
Not every adult or senior should receive a pneumococcal vaccine, but there are certain instances where this vaccine should be administered:
- Adults 65+ years who never received the pneumococcal vaccine as a young child.
- Adults 19-64 years who never received the pneumococcal vaccine and are at risk of infection due to medical risks or conditions.
Talk to your doctor about your medical history and condition to determine if the pneumococcal vaccine is right for you.
Tdap Vaccine and Booster
The Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccine is typically administered to children by the age of 12. It is maintained with boosters every 10 years after the first dose. This vaccine protects against infections that lead to tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.
Tdap is important to receive as an adult under the following conditions:
Every Pregnancy
The vaccine should be administered in every pregnancy within the 3rd trimester to help protect the baby against pertussis. Infants are at greater risk of pertussis infection, which can lead to serious, life-threatening complications. By vaccinating the mother, the baby receives solid protection against infection.
Tdap-less Adults
Adults who never received the Tdap vaccine in childhood should get one to protect against tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria complications.
Adults Who Need Their Booster
The Tdap booster is available every ten years. Adults can also receive the Td booster, which covers tetanus and diphtheria but removes protection from pertussis.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful infection that affects adults 50 years or older. However, it can be prevented with the Shingrix vaccine. Shingrex is administered in 2 doses and can be over 90% effective at protecting against shingles infection.
Because shingles and chickenpox stem from the same virus, it’s important to receive the vaccine if you had chickenpox in the past. This virus remains dormant in the body and can later reactivate in the form of shingles. Even if you have never had chickenpox, it is still possible to contract the virus and develop shingles as an adult. Vaccination is your best bet to prevent infection or reinfection.