Vaccines are not just for children and health care workers. Aside from the annual flu shot, here are 6 vaccines you should be keeping up with as an adult.
- If you’re an adult who did not receive the Tdap or tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine as a child, now’s the time! If you did receive your Tdap vaccine when you were younger, you may be due for a booster shot. Td booster shots should be administered every 10 years.
- Those under the age of 26 are eligible for the HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomaviruses that cause most cervical, anal, and other cancers.
- Depending on job or school requirements, health conditions, and lifestyle, the meningitis vaccine may be recommended to you. In some states, it is required for students entering universities.
- 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk of developing shingles increases with age. Adults aged 50 or older are strongly encouraged to get the shingles vaccine whether or not they had chickenpox as a child.
- Adults 65 or older or adults 65 and younger with certain health conditions should receive the PPSV23 vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections.
- Adults with weakened immune systems should also receive the PCV13 vaccine, which protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia.
Ensuring you are up to date on vaccinations not only protects you, but also protects those around you. Although the vaccinations listed above are the most common vaccines for adults, your physician may recommend additional vaccinations if you have certain health conditions such as asplenia, heart disease, Type 1 or 2 Diabetes, HIV, etc. You should consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional to confirm which vaccines are recommended for you.
For more information on recommended vaccines, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html
