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Adult Immunizations Support Good Health

Thousands of adults become seriously ill each year from diseases that vaccines can help prevent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"You can't rely on childhood vaccinations to protect you for your entire life," said Beverly Salate, RN, BSN, preventative health director for VNA Care. "Sometimes immunity fades, and newer vaccines may not have been around when adults were kids."

While the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine continues making news, be sure to remember other important vaccinations to support your good health. In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all adults receive:

• Influenza vaccine yearly
• Td vaccine (tetanus) every decade
• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough) once instead of Td vaccine (It is recommended that women receive the Tdap vaccine for each pregnancy.)

Your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations depending on your age, travel, health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, lifestyle, and career. These may include: 

• Shingles
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Pneumococcal disease (Pneumonia)
• Meningococcal disease (Meningitis)  
• Hepatitis A and B
• Chickenpox
• Measles, mumps, and rubella

Learn more about adult vaccinations and take a quiz to see which ones you may need by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

This information is intended for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please contact your health care provider.