Vaccines for adults are important as they help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in missed work, poor health, medical bills, and not being able to care for the family. Vaccines are just not for children. Protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease because of age, job, travel, lifestyle, or health conditions.
What Is Immunization?
Immunization is a process where a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines contain the same antigens or parts of antigens that cause disease, but the antigens are inactivated or greatly weakened. The vaccine works by tricking the body into thinking that the actual disease is attacking it.
What Vaccines Do Adults Need?
Before getting any vaccines, talk to your doctor about specific needs. Adult vaccines to consider may include:
- Flu Vaccine: To prevent the flu, it is recommended to have an annual flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older. Adults age 50 and older should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: It is recommended to have a pneumococcal vaccine, especially for adults aged 65 and older. Younger adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease also might need a dose of the vaccine.
- Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Tdap can protect you from tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria, which can lead to breathing problems.
- Shingles: To prevent shingles, the vaccine is given to healthy adults age 50 and older. It’s given in two doses.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine for girls and boys ages 11 or 12. Teens and young adults who begin the vaccine series later, at ages 15 through 26, should continue to receive three doses of the vaccine.
- COVID-19: When you are eligible, get a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill or dying due to COVID-19.
Vaccinations for Adults with Chronic Health Conditions
Some chronic conditions can increase the risk of infectious diseases, so you may need certain vaccines to prevent them. Talk to your doctor about vaccines you may need if you have one or more of these conditions:
- Weakened immune system
- Liver disease
- Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- HIV
- Lung disease, including asthma
- Kidney disease
- Vascular (blood vessel) disease such as heart disease or stroke
Vaccine Safety and Side Effects
- A vaccine can prevent serious and life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are very safe.
- Vaccine side effects are typically mild and may include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
- You should talk to your doctor about your health history, including past illnesses and treatments, as well as any allergies you may have. Any concerns you have can be addressed by a health care provider.