Vaccination isn't just for kids. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public health. Even though childhood vaccination programs are widely recognized, adult vaccination is often overlooked.
It's time to change that mindset and prioritize your health by staying up to date with adult vaccination.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about adult vaccination to ensure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventableDr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
Global immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years
What factors might affect my vaccine recommendations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccines for adults based on age, prior vaccinations, health, lifestyle, occupation, travel destinations and sexual activity.
1. Vaccines have saved lives for over 100 years, but serious diseases still pose a threat.
2. Vaccines Are the Best Way to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Preventable Disease
3. Vaccines Can Prevent Serious Illness- Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in serious complications or later illnesses. Vaccination not only protects against the diseases but also the dangerous complications or consequences.
4. The Vaccines You Receive Are Safe- Vaccines may cause side effects, but most people only experience mild ones, if any.
5. Vaccines May Be Required-Certain vaccines are necessary for school, work, travel, and other activities. Health care workers and others in high-risk jobs need to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of diseases.
HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against the HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. It protects against cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis or anus caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine also protects against mouth, throat, head and neck cancers caused by HPV.
The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active for people aged between 9-45 yrs . but even if you are sexually active, you should get the vaccine.
Dr. Tanaya Narendra, with the Instagram handle name dr_cuterus shared a video regarding the same.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and exacerbation of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season.An annual vaccine is recommended for all adults, especially those over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, particularly in older adultsaged 19-49
Shingles is a painful rash that typically develops on one side of the body and consists of blisters that usually scab over in 7 to 10 days. The pain can last for months or even years after the rash disappears, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The risk of shingles and PHN increases with age
Adults 50 and older and those aged 19-49 who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications and should also vaccinated
Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.bacteria can invade parts of the body, such as the blood, that are normally free from germs.It can lead to serious illnesses like
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
Otitis media (middle ear infection)
Sinusitis (sinus infection)
All adults 65 years or older and 19 through 64 years old with certain risk conditions
Some other important vaccinations include:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: A booster is recommended every 10 years. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can be particularly dangerous for infants, so adults in close contact with babies should ensure they are vaccinated.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines: These vaccines are important for adults who are at increased risk due to factors like chronic liver disease, travel to certain countries, or potential exposure to the viruses through work or lifestyle.
Vaccinations are available at various locations, including:
Primary Care Clinics: Your regular doctor can administer most vaccines and offer advice tailored to your health history..
Pharmacies: Several pharmacies provide adult vaccines, often without requiring an appointment.
Travel Clinics: Visit these specialized clinics to receive the required vaccines for international travel
Getting vaccinated as an adult is a great way to take care of yourself and the people around you. When you stay updated with recommended vaccines, you're helping to lower your risk of serious diseases and making our community healthier. It's always a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider to figure out which vaccines are best for you based on your age, health, lifestyle, and travel plans.
Reference -
1. Vaccines for Pneumococcal | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/index.html
2. Global immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. (2024, April 24). https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2024-global-immunization-efforts-have-saved-at-least-154-million-lives-over-the-past-50-years
3. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccination | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/index.html
4. 5 Reasons It Is Important for Adults to Get Vaccinated. (2024, July 1). Vaccine Information for Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/reasons/index.html
5. What Vaccines are Recommended for You. (2024, June 12). Vaccine Information for Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html
6. HPV vaccine: Who needs it, how it works. (2023, August 25). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292
7. HPV Vaccination. (2024, July 9). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html
8. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. (2024, March 21). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm
9. About Pneumococcal Disease. (2024, February 6). Pneumococcal Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/index.html
By Simran Sethi