What Vaccines Do You Need as an Adult?

Influenza Vaccine: Why It’s Important

The flu (influenza) vaccine is a yearly dose that helps protect against the current strain of the disease. It’s important to protect yourself against the flu, which can become severe, and even deadly, in some cases. Flu vaccines are typically given via needle and are created with either inactivated flu viruses or with a single protein from the virus. Despite its efficacy, the flu vaccine has long been riddled with misconceptions.

Common Myths About the Flu Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dispels the most common myths about the flu vaccine, including:

1. Can you get the flu from the flu vaccine? No, the flu vaccine will not give you the flu. You might experience some soreness in your arm at the point of injection and mild symptoms such as headache, fever and nausea. 
2. Am I better off to just get the flu than get the vaccine? Definitely not. The flu can become a serious illness, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as young children, older adults and those with some chronic conditions. Getting vaccinated is a much safer option. 
3. Why do I need the flu vaccine every year? Our immunity against the flu declines over time. Getting the flu vaccine on a yearly basis gives your body its best odds at combating the annual strain of the disease. 
4. Should I get more than one flu vaccine per season? Studies have shown this does not provide any added benefit. One poke per year is plenty. 
5. Am I more likely to get COVID-19 after I get the flu vaccine? No, there is no evidence supporting this. 

Facts About the Flu Vaccine

The CDC also provides data supporting the efficacy of the vaccine, including:

• During the 2019-2020 flu season, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million associated medical visits, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths. 
• During seasons when the flu vaccine is a strong match for the current strain of flu, getting the vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40–60%.
• A 2021 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated.
• A 2018 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients were 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU than those who had not been vaccinated. Among adults in the ICU with flu, vaccinated patients on average spent four fewer days in the hospital.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: The Triple Protection

Remember being told to avoid stepping on rusty nails as a kid? Remember why? The main reason is risk of tetanus, which enters the body through cuts and wounds. This harmful infection can cause serious health issues, including lockjaw (becoming unable to open your mouth), trouble swallowing and trouble breathing. 

Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person. Diphtheria can cause difficulty breathing, cardiac failure, paralysis and even death. Pertussis—more commonly known as whooping cough—also comes with serious symptoms, namely an uncontrollable, violent cough. 

The Tdap vaccine is recommended for people seven-years and older. It is particularly important for pregnant women to get vaccinated during the third trimester to help protect infants from pertussis, which can quickly become life-threatening for newborns. 

For those who received the Tdap vaccine in their youth, talk with your doctor about getting a booster dose every 10 years. 

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: For Those Over 50

You can think of shingles as the adult version of chickenpox, and those who had chickenpox as a child are more susceptible to the disease as an adult. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays in the body for life and shingles occurs when it is reactivated in adulthood. 

While shingles typically does not become severe, it can be painful. Getting the vaccine can help lower the risk of developing shingles. Risk factors for the disease include:

• Age
• Some medications, including long-term steroid use
• Cancer treatments that lower the body’s resistance to disease
• Other diseases that might weaken the immune system like cancer or HIV/AIDS

There are two types of shingles vaccines that are licensed and available in the United States: Shingrix® (recombinant zoster vaccine) and Zostavax® (zoster vaccine live). Both are safe and effective, but the CDC recommends Shingrix over Zostavax to prevent shingles and complications from the disease. 

Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23): Preventing Pneumonia

Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against pneumococcal disease, which is typically caused by bacteria that commonly exist in the nose and throat. These bacteria can cause both mild infections, such as common ear infections, to serious illness, such as pneumonia. Adults over the age of 65, or those 19 through 64-years old with identified risk conditions, such as a history of asthma or other chronic respiratory illnesses, should talk to their doctor about getting the pneumococcal vaccination. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Not Just for Teens

The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, which can lead to certain types of cancers, including anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. The current recommendation for the vaccine is starting at 11–12 years, however, there are certain adult groups who should also consider getting vaccinated. According to the CDC, “Some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination for them.”

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Immunity Check

Measles, mumps and rubella are three viral diseases that can become very serious in people who have not been vaccinated. This trifecta powerhouse of a vaccine has been widely available in the United States since 1971, protecting millions of lives against the diseases. Letting measles, mumps and rubella go untreated can lead to severe respiratory and neurological disorders, some serious enough to cause death. 

Most American adults have received the MMR vaccine, however, its efficacy can wane over time. Talk with your doctor to make sure you demonstrate evidence of immunity. The CDC recommends, “Adults who are going to be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles or mumps transmission should make sure they have had two doses separated by at least 28 days. These adults include: students at post-high school institutions, healthcare personnel and international travelers.” If you plan on traveling internationally, talk with your doctor or local public health department about the risk of these diseases in countries you plan to visit, and make sure you’re properly protected within an ample time frame before you go. 

Hepatitis A and B Vaccines: Protecting Your Liver

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver that can become serious enough to cause death. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and spreads most commonly through infected food or water. It can also spread person-to-person when people are in close quarters. Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and spreads through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, saliva or vaginal fluids. It can also be contracted through sharing needles or from a mother to a child. 

Adults who were not vaccinated in childhood can get the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. Adults 18 and older who were not previously vaccinated, and who fall into certain risk categories, should get the vaccine, including:

• Those traveling internationally to high-risk areas (check with the CDC or your local health department for an updated list)
• Military personnel
• Males who have sex with males
• People who use illegal injection drugs
• People with chronic liver disease
• People with hemophilia
• Those who work in child care centers, correctional facilities, drug and alcohol treatment centers and hemodialysis units
• Laboratory workers who handle the HAV and HBV viruses 
• EMS workers
• People who might come in contact with stool or sewage

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: If You Haven’t Had It

The best way to protect yourself against getting chickenpox is to get vaccinated. Adults who have never had the disease or received the chickenpox vaccine should get two doses. This vaccine is extremely effective, preventing almost all cases of serious illness. If you are vaccinated and do get the chickenpox, the cases are typically much more mild than in those who are not vaccinated. While chickenpox is usually mild, it can present more seriously in people who are at higher risk, such as pregnant women and adults with weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends the following adult populations should be vaccinated for chickenpox if they never had it or were never vaccinated: 

• Healthcare providers
• People who work with those with weakened immune systems
• Nursing home staff or residents
• Teachers, childcare workers and those living with children
• College students
• Inmates and correctional institutions staff
• International travelers
• Military personnel
• Non-pregnant people of childbearing age

When to NOT Get the Vaccine

Additionally, the CDC highlights those who should not receive the chickenpox vaccine, including:

• People with HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affects the immune system
• People being treated with drugs that affect the immune system for two weeks or more
• People with cancer
• People receiving cancer treatment
• Those who have had a recent transfusion or were given other blood products
• People who are pregnant or may be pregnant

Meningococcal Vaccine: For Specific Populations

Meningococcal disease is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens as well as adults at increased risk, such as college students, travelers and those with certain health conditions. Talk with your doctor about which meningococcal vaccine is right for you and your specific set of circumstances.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Staying Up to Date

Like the influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines are typically recommended on an annual basis, although consult with your doctor about the best approach for you and your health. Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine can help reduce the risk of developing severe illness from the disease. Like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine is developed to best counter punch the most current variant. 

Like the flu, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a much safer and more effective way to build immunity than actually getting sick with COVID-19, which can cause severe illness or death. The ingredients in the vaccine are safe and proven. 

Making the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines part of your annual wellness routine can be an excellent way to boost your immunity as the variants begin to circulate. 

Conclusion

Vaccines and their purpose can feel overwhelming, but the science behind these powerful medical breakthroughs and proven combatants to serious illness make them an essential part of personal and communal health. As adults, it’s important to make sure your vaccination schedule is current. Talk with your primary care provider about establishing a consistent annual vaccine routine to help make your health a priority.