Vaccinations are not something adults typically think about, but just because you’re not a child doesn’t mean you should not get vaccines. The CDC, Center for Disease Control, recommends many different vaccinations for adults, and it is important to know the whens and whys for vaccinations.
- Flu vaccines – Everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season to help prevent acquiring the virus, especially those who are high risk like children and the elderly.
- Pneumonia vaccines – Adults over the age of 65 should consider a pneumonia vaccine. The Prevnar13 vaccine is only given once and does not require a booster.
- Shingles vaccines – Adults over 60 should consider a shingles vaccine. If you have had chickenpox you are at risk for developing shingles. The shingles vaccine is a one time vaccine that does not require a booster.
- D-TAP – This vaccine is a combination of pertussis (whooping cough) which is recommended once and then for women with each pregnancy and tetanus and diphtheria which should be given every 10 years. It is important to update your D-TAP vaccine if you are going to be around any newborns. Remember to protect your grandchildren!
Your doctor may recommend vaccinations earlier if you are in a higher risk category, like those who are pregnant or immunocompromised. There are many different reasons that could affect your vaccination schedule which should be discussed with your doctor. The important thing to remember is just because you’re an adult, it does not mean you’re done getting vaccinated. Adult vaccines help prevent serious diseases that could be life threatening. Talk to your doctor at The Woman’s Clinic about your risk factors and when you should be vaccinated.
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