What do you need to know about vaccinations for adults at a family health clinic? Immunizations offer potentially life-saving protection against some of the most vicious diseases. If you think vaccines are only for pediatric patients, take a look at what adults over 18 need to know about immunizations, booster shots, and more.
Why Do Adults Need Vaccinations?
Adults need vaccinations for the same reason that children need them—to fight off potentially serious illnesses. There's no reason to get sick if you don't have to. While hand-washing and avoiding sick people are steps that can help you to stay healthy, these methods won't stop every disease.
The right vaccinations for your age group and for people with your risk factors can reduce the likelihood of an illness, make some diseases more manageable, and decrease the chances you'll require hospitalization. Along with the health benefits, the illness-stopping effects of vaccinations can save you time and money. You may not need as many trips to the family health facility office, can save on copays and other medical expenses, and won't need to miss work or take sick days.
Do Adults Need the Same Vaccinations As Children?
The answer to this is yes and no. Some adult and pediatric vaccinations will overlap. If you did not receive every pediatric vaccination as a child, are in some age groups, or did not get a booster when required, you could need some immunizations that are commonly thought of as childhood vaccines (such as the MMR or varicella shots).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults who were born in 1957 or later may need one to two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Adults born in or after 1980 may also need two doses of the varicella vaccine. You may also need a tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis (Tdap) booster. Adults of all ages need this vaccine every 10 years or after some types of wounds.
Do Adults Need Annual Vaccinations?
Most adults will need an annual flu shot. Unlike an MMR, varicella, and some other vaccines, the flu shot does not offer long-term protection. The annual shot contains a seasonal formulation that targets the most common current (or the predicted most common) flu strains.
Do Adults Need An Annual Covid-19 Shot?
Right now there is no clear-cut answer to this question. If you've never had a Covid-19 vaccination, now is the time to start. Adults who have had a single-dose or double-dose vaccination will need a booster. You may need an additional booster depending on your age, the timing of your last vaccination, the last type of vaccine you got, and whether you have had a recent infection.
