Your guide to adult vaccinations: Staying healthy throughout life

It is commonly thought that vaccines are mostly given during childhood. Not true at all. Adult vaccination plays a critical role in safeguarding adult health as well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates that adults continue to be vaccinated from certain diseases since the protection one gets from a vaccine taken as a child can wear off over time. Adults also face the risk of contracting illnesses because of one’s age, job, lifestyle, travel patterns and existing health conditions. Being vaccinated eliminates the possibility of getting seriously ill from vaccine preventable illnesses such as hepatitis B, shingles, and COVID-19.

More importantly, adults who get sick will be unable to take care of their own families and responsibilities. Being vaccinated plays a major part in protecting one’s health as well as the health of those around us since vaccines lower the chances of getting sick.

Vaccines boost the body’s natural defenses, which lowers the chances of getting ill and even suffering from complications that may be fatal.

Beyond this, adult immunization contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall transmission of infectious diseases in the community.

It is important to remember that vaccine recommendations may vary based on your age, health status, and travel plans. A healthcare provider will be able to help ensure that vaccines are up-to-date and they should also be relevant to the situation.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated for several communicable diseases, one of them being the flu. People between the ages of 6 months and older are advised to get the yearly flu shot by the end of October since flu viruses typically spread in the fall and winter months.

The World Health Organization describes the seasonal flu as an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that are common in all parts of the world. There are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3–5 million cases of severe illness.

Anyone can get have flu, but children and adults who are 65 years and older are typically at the most risk of developing severe complications from influenza. Pregnant women and those who have chronic medical conditions are at risk of severe complications. The best way to protect oneself from complications is by getting vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is recommended for adults starting at16 years old, those who are over 65 years old, and those who have chronic health conditions.

All adults should also get the Tdap/Td Vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). While tetanus and diphtheria are rare both are deadly, while pertussis or whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory tract infection common among children, can still occur in adults. Adults who have never received this vaccine are advised to get one. The vaccine can be administered anytime during the year. A follow-up shot of either a Td or Tdap shot is recommended after 10 years of the initial vaccination.

Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes or blisters that occur anywhere on the body. It is caused by the Varicella zoster virus which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. For adults who are 50 years and older, the CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine known as Shingrix to reduce the risk of developing this condition and to prevent severe complications.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent the occurrence of pneumonia, meningitis, and even sepsis. This vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 and those with certain health conditions.

The HPV vaccine serves as a protection against the human papillomavirus, which can lead to various cancers in both men and women, among which is cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for adults up to age 45.

Adults who are at risk of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis A exposure should also be vaccinated. Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease while Hepatitis A puts one at risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccines offer protection against these potentially serious infections.

Public health experts also recommend that all adults who are qualified should get the COVID-19 vaccine to lessen the risk of severe illness and transmission of this deadly respiratory illness. COVID-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives since its introduction and provides strong protection from severe illness.

By staying current with recommended vaccinations, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the well-being of your community. Adult immunizations are a vital component of maintaining good health throughout life. They help prevent serious diseases, protect vulnerable populations, and contribute to a healthier society. Don’t overlook the importance of vaccines as you age; they remain a cornerstone of preventive healthcare.

Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note: This article was originally intended for publication as part of a health supplement in celebration of National Immunization Awareness Month in August.