Adult Immunizations: An Important Part of Preventive Healthcare
Vaccinations aren’t just for children. Adult immunizations are an important part of preventive healthcare and can help protect against serious and potentially preventable illnesses throughout life.
As we age, our immune response can change, and some vaccines require additional doses or boosters. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of complications from infections.
Your recommended vaccines depend on factors such as your age, medical history, previous vaccinations, medications, occupation, lifestyle, and travel plans.
If you aren’t sure whether your immunizations are up to date, your primary care provider can review your records and help determine which vaccines may be appropriate for you.
Why Are Vaccines Important for Adults?
Vaccination can help reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill from certain infections.
This can be particularly important for adults who have chronic medical conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Asthma or chronic lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Certain immune system disorders
Preventive care isn’t only about treating problems after they develop. Staying current with recommended immunizations is another way to proactively protect your health.
Common Vaccines for Adults
There isn’t one vaccination schedule that applies to every adult. However, several vaccines are commonly recommended depending on age and individual circumstances.
Influenza Vaccine
The flu vaccine is generally recommended annually for most adults.
Influenza can cause significant complications, particularly among older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Getting your annual flu vaccine can be an important part of preparing for flu season.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox.
It can cause a painful rash and, in some people, persistent nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for many adults beginning at age 50 and for certain younger adults with weakened immune systems.
Your healthcare provider can determine whether you are eligible and explain the recommended dosing schedule.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Certain adults are recommended to receive pneumococcal vaccination based on age and underlying health conditions.
Because recommendations can vary depending on your individual circumstances and previous vaccination history, your provider can determine which vaccine and schedule are appropriate.
Tdap and Td Vaccines
Adults need protection against tetanus and diphtheria, while the Tdap vaccine also provides protection against pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
Adults may need a Tdap vaccine followed by periodic tetanus/diphtheria boosters.
Tdap is also particularly important during pregnancy because vaccination can help protect newborns against whooping cough.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccination recommendations can change as new evidence, vaccines, and circulating variants emerge.
Recommendations may differ according to age, health status, previous vaccination, and other risk factors.
Ask your healthcare provider whether you are currently due for a COVID-19 vaccine or updated dose.
Other Vaccines You May Need
Depending on your individual circumstances, additional vaccines may be recommended.
These can include vaccines for:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal disease
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Travel, occupation, pregnancy, underlying health conditions, and certain lifestyle factors may change which vaccines are recommended.
Vaccines and Chronic Disease
Patients with chronic medical conditions should pay particular attention to preventive healthcare.
For example, people with diabetes may have an increased risk of complications from certain infections. Similar considerations may apply to patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory conditions, kidney disease, or conditions affecting the immune system.
Your primary care provider can incorporate immunization review into your overall chronic disease management plan.
What If You Don’t Know Your Vaccination History?
Many adults aren’t sure which vaccines they received as children or when they received their most recent adult vaccines.
If your vaccination history is incomplete, don’t assume that you are unprotected.
Your healthcare provider may be able to review:
- Previous medical records
- Pharmacy vaccination records
- State immunization registries
- Records from previous healthcare providers
- Your available personal vaccination documentation
Based on the information available, your provider can determine what additional vaccinations may be appropriate.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Vaccines are carefully studied and monitored for safety.
Most vaccine reactions are mild and temporary. Common reactions can include:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Mild fever
Serious reactions are uncommon.
Before receiving a vaccine, tell your healthcare provider about previous vaccine reactions, allergies, current medications, pregnancy, and medical conditions.
When Should You Review Your Vaccines?
You don’t have to wait for a particular month or awareness campaign to review your immunizations.
A vaccine review can be part of your routine primary care visit.
It’s especially important to review your immunizations when:
- You reach a new age-based vaccine recommendation
- You develop a chronic medical condition
- You become pregnant
- You start certain medications that affect the immune system
- You are planning international travel
- You begin a healthcare-related or other high-risk occupation
- You cannot remember when you received your last vaccination
Don’t Wait Until You’re Sick
Preventive healthcare is about staying ahead of potential health problems.
Along with regular physical examinations and recommended screenings, keeping your adult immunizations up to date can be an important part of maintaining your health.
If you’re unsure which vaccines you need, don’t try to determine your entire vaccination schedule on your own. Recommendations can vary based on age, medical history, previous vaccines, and other factors.
Talk With Your Primary Care Provider About Immunizations
If you’re looking for an internist in Katy, our team can help review your vaccination history and discuss which immunizations may be appropriate for you.
Whether you need a routine vaccine, an updated dose, or simply want to make sure you’re protected, a preventive healthcare visit is a good opportunity to review your immunization needs.
Stay informed. Stay protected. Keep your immunizations up to date.
Vaccination recommendations can change over time. Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are appropriate for you based on current recommendations and your individual health history.
