When you think of routine immunizations, vaccines for children might be the first thing that comes to mind. However, staying up to date on routine vaccines is just as critical for adults as they grow older. 

 “Vaccines are an important part of preventive care for people of all ages,” says Dr. Julie Joseph, chief medical officer of BlueCare Tennessee. “They help you stay healthy so you can take care of yourself and others, go to work and maintain your independence.” 

Adults need vaccines throughout their lives

Dr. Joseph: Many adults assume that their need for vaccinations ends once they graduate from high school. Others believe that if they have avoided getting sick for years, they can continue taking their chances. Both ways of thinking can be risky. And as you get older, your immunity may weaken.  

That decline in immunity may happen gradually and often without obvious symptoms. A person can feel fine while becoming increasingly vulnerable to infections. And the stakes rise with age. Illnesses, like flu, that may not have caused you serious complications earlier in life may require hospitalization by the time you’re in your 60s or 70s.  

What vaccines adults need

Dr. Joseph: The adult vaccination schedule isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shifts based on an individual’s age, health history and risk factors. Your doctor can help you determine what vaccines you need. Here’s a look at some key vaccines and when they matter most: 

Seasonal flu vaccine. The flu shot is the one most adults are familiar with, but some still skip it. They assume they can tough out a bad flu season the way they did when they were younger.  But the flu can be more serious as you get older. 

The influenza virus changes from year to year, and that’s one reason why you need the vaccine every year. A yearly flu shot can reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization and serious complications. For older adults and those with chronic conditions, influenza can more quickly lead to pneumonia or a dangerous worsening of existing health problems. 

Shingles (zoster) vaccine. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most adults have had chickenpox or been exposed to the virus at some point. As a result, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate as immunity declines with age.   

The primary complication of shingles is severe, long-lasting nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. 

The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older. Talk with your doctor about this vaccine and its frequency.

 Pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent severe infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These bacteria are the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia. 

The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older and for some younger adults with certain health conditions. Talk with your doctor about their recommendations for this vaccine.

Chronic conditions change the equation – and recommendations

Dr. Joseph: Vaccine recommendations change depending on the individual’s personal health situation. People managing diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, or lung disease are at higher risk for serious complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses. As a result, staying current on recommended vaccines becomes even more important. 

It’s always best to talk with your primary care doctor about the vaccines you may need. They can review your vaccination history and individual health situation. They can also recommend any catch-up schedules if you are behind on getting vaccinations. 

The CDC maintains an adult immunization schedule that serves as a helpful reference tool for patients. 

“Staying current with vaccines is one of the most effective ways to help protect your health as you age,” Dr. Joseph says. “Prevention is easier than treating illness.” 

 More from Dr. Joseph on WellTuned 

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