As we get older, our immune systems gradually weaken which leaves us more vulnerable to illnesses and diseases. While childhood vaccines have protected millions from diseases like measles, mumps and rubella, our protection decreases over time if we do not get booster shots. It is important for adults to maintain their vaccination status to prevent serious illnesses. Vaccines help strengthen our natural defenses and reduce the risks associated with various diseases. Several vaccines are recommended for adults based on their age, health conditions and lifestyle risk factors. Here are some of the most important vaccines adults should consider.
Flu Vaccine
Influenza or flu is a seasonal infection that can cause severe illness in adults. The flu virus changes every year which is why annual vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It is especially important for high-risk groups like adults over 65 years, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective and provides protection throughout the flu season which usually lasts from October to May. Since flu illness and its complications can be life-threatening in some adults, annual vaccination can help reduce flu risks.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Tetanus and diphtheria are serious bacterial diseases that can cause life-threatening complications like trouble breathing or locking of the jaw. Pertussis or whooping cough spreads easily through coughing and sneezing and can affect people of all ages. Booster doses of Tdap vaccine are recommended for adults as protection from these diseases decreases over time. Tdap vaccine is recommended for all adults who have not received a dose as an adolescent or adult. It is also advised for pregnant women during each pregnancy to protect newborns. These vaccines provide long-term protection against three life-threatening illnesses with a single shot.
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Pneumococcal Vaccines
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria can cause several invasive infections like pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis in adults. Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all adults aged 65 years or older and for younger adults 19-64 years with certain high-risk medical conditions. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) protects against 13 strains of streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria while the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) offers defense against 23 strains. The CDC recommends getting both vaccines based on risk factors and previous vaccination history to gain maximum coverage against pneumococcal disease. Pneumonia is especially risky for older adults and vaccinations can help reduce their odds of hospitalizations or even death due to pneumococcal infections.
Shingles Vaccine
Approximately one out of every three people in the U.S. will develop shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in their lifetime. It is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles itself causes a painful rash but can sometimes lead to ongoing nerve pain or postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. The shingles vaccine called RZV is recommended by CDC for all adults aged 50 years and older, whether or not they had chickenpox in the past. It provides nearly 96% protection against shingles in adults ages 50-69 years old and about 91% in adults 70 years and older. By reducing shingles risks in older age groups, the vaccine also helps lower the odds of experiencing postherpetic neuralgia or shingles-related complications.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
Hepatitis A and B cause liver infections that are usually preventable with vaccines. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for certain adults with lifestyle risks like international travel, men who have sex with men or drug use. It is also advised for those with chronic liver diseases including hepatitis C. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults with high-risk sexual behaviors, those who live with Hepatitis B infected individuals and healthcare workers. Both vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against Hepatitis infections that can potentially cause long-term health issues like scarring of liver or liver cancer if contracted. Adults should consider vaccination based on their risks to safeguard liver health.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Some HPV types can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and back of throat/tonsils in men and women. The HPV vaccine protects against those virus types that cause cancers and genital warts. It works best when given before any exposure to HPV through sexual contact. CDC recommends HPV vaccination up to age 45 for most adults and up to age 26 for young adults who did not complete the vaccine series as preteens/teens. Two HPV vaccines are available for preventing HPV infections and cancers – Gardasil 9 for females and males up to age 45 or Gardasil for females up to age 26. Vaccination considerably reduces HPV-related disease risks in adulthood.
In Conclusion
Adult vaccinations are an important part of healthcare that significantly lowers risks of serious, debilitating, and even fatal infectious diseases. While vaccines continue protecting children and teens, adults cannot afford to become complacent about their own vaccination needs. Discussing recommended vaccines with your healthcare provider based on age, medical conditions and other risk factors is vital for good health into older age. A few minutes spent getting vaccinated can spare you weeks of suffering from preventable illnesses. Staying up-to-date on core vaccines recommended by CDC is one of the best defenses against common yet serious diseases affecting adults.
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