Are you up-to-date with your vaccinations? Getting vaccinated is a lifelong, life-protecting job. If you followed the recommended CDC immunization schedule, you would have received a number of key vaccinations by the age of 2. Vaccines protect against 14 potentially serious diseases. But many adults forget that they still need immunizations, too. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you have already “built up your immunity” and have a lower risk for contracting infectious diseases. In some cases, adults may be more at risk than children (as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic).
There are three vaccines recommended for all adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine, the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) vaccine/booster, and the COVID-19 vaccine/booster.
Additional vaccines and boosters are recommended based on your age, job, lifestyle, travel, vaccination history, and certain health conditions. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, call your doctor.
18 – 26 Years Old
- Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Vaccine: Recommended every year, ideally before October ends.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Authorized for emergency use in the U.S. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna require two doses of the vaccine administered approximately one month apart. Johnson and Johnson can be given as a single dose. Approval for boosters are being sought.
- Tdap Vaccine: For those who did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). Pregnant women are also advised to receive this during every pregnancy between 27-36 weeks gestation.
- HPV Vaccine: If you were not vaccinated at a younger age – HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: For those without evidence of immunity
- Meningitis Vaccine: Some states require students entering colleges and universities to be vaccinated against certain diseases due to increased risk among college students living in residential housing. Check with your college or university.
27 – 49 Years Old
- Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Tdap Vaccine: if you did not receive it previously/if you are pregnant. A Td Booster is recommended every 10 years for continued immunity.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine
50 – 64 Years Old
- Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Td Booster
- Zoster Vaccine: To prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.
65 Years or Older
- Seasonal Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Td or Tdap Vaccine
- Zooster Vaccine: For those who did not receive it at a younger age.
- Pneumococcal Vaccines: Protects against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream. If you have certain chronic health conditions, your doctor may recommend receiving this vaccine earlier than the recommended age of 65.
You are never too old to get vaccinated and back on track. Likewise, in our current health climate, it’s more important than ever to stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines and their corresponding boosters. If you have questions about your vaccination record, contact Bella Terra Primary Care.