What Vaccines Do I Need as an Adult?

If you think vaccines are just for kids, think again. Vaccinations aren’t just for preventing childhood diseases; they play a crucial role in safeguarding adult health, too. From mandatory vaccinations for adults to recommended immunizations for seniors, staying up to date with vaccines is vital for a healthy life. So, as an adult, what exactly are the vaccines you need? Let’s dive in.

Why Do Vaccines Matter for Adults?

From December 1, 2021 to February 7, 2022, 15.2% of adults in the United States remained unvaccinated according to the Household Pulse Survey, which included a pooled sample size of 211,303 participants. Among the unvaccinated individuals, 51% expressed aversion to vaccines, 35% were uncertain about getting vaccinated, and 14% were open to vaccination. This group cited various reasons for not receiving vaccines.

Immunizations stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies – proteins that help fight off infections. During vaccination, your body receives a small amount of weakened or dead virus or bacteria, triggering your immune system to react to these threats. This process effectively trains the immune system to recognize and combat the pathogens if encountered in the future, protecting against full-blown infections.

One crucial concept to understand is herd immunity or community immunity. This happens when many community members get vaccinated for a specific illness. When this occurs, disease cannot easily spread among the population. Herd immunity safeguards people who have received it and those who can't get vaccinated because of medical issues like allergies or weakened immune systems.

To break it down, here are the reasons why adults need vaccinations:

1. Some adults missed out on vaccinations during childhood.

   2. Vaccine recommendations and the vaccines themselves can change over time, and certain vaccines may not have been available in           someone’s childhood.

   3. Immunity can diminish as the years go by.

   4. Our susceptibility to severe illnesses from common infections like the flu increases as we age.

   5. Adults, especially those working in healthcare or other professions with a high risk of exposure to infectious diseases, may require                 additional protection.

The section below lists the essential vaccines for adults, including mandatory and recommended immunizations.

What Vaccines Should Adults Get?

When it comes to mandatory vaccinations for adults, these are the key ones you need to keep on your radar: 

1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

This one’s a no-brainer. The flu can hit adults hard, leading to missed work, hospitalization, and, in severe cases, death. Getting an annual flu shot is your best bet for staying healthy during flu season.

2. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

The Tdap vaccine prevents severe but rare bacterial infections like tetanus and diphtheria. Tdap also includes protection against pertussis (whooping cough), which can be particularly dangerous for adults and infants alike.

3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

HPV isn’t just a concern for teenagers. Adults, particularly individuals aged under 45, benefit from the HPV vaccine, which offers protection against various cancer types, notably cervical cancer.

4. Shingles Vaccine

If you’re 50 or older, the shingles vaccine is a must. Shingles, triggered by the varicella-zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox), can cause severe pain and potentially result in lasting nerve damage.

5. COVID-19 Vaccine

During the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination became a global priority, offering protection against severe illness and transmission. Whether you’re young or old, getting vaccinated protects you from severe illness and contributes to the collective effort to achieve herd immunity.

Recommended Immunizations for Adults

While the vaccines mentioned above are mandatory for many adults, several recommended immunizations can further protect your health, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and travel plans:

1. Pneumococcal Vaccine

Especially important for adults over 65 or those with certain health conditions, the pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine

If you didn’t receive the hepatitis B vaccine as a child, consider getting it as an adult, especially if you’re at higher risk due to factors like healthcare work or travel to regions where hepatitis B is prevalent.

3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

While most adults received the MMR vaccine as children, it’s worth checking your immunization status. Your healthcare provider may recommend a booster shot if you're not immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

4. Meningococcal Vaccine

The meningococcal vaccine is especially crucial for specific high-risk populations, like college students living in dormitories or military members. It guards against meningococcal disease, a severe bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord.

5. Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Adults traveling to areas where polio is still a concern should consider getting vaccinated to prevent infection despite the substantial eradication of polio.

What You Need to Know About Vaccines for Seniors