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August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated. This call to action extends beyond childhood immunizations. From the flu to the measles to shingles, there are several key vaccines for adults that can provide protection from illness.
Why everyone should get Vaccinated
In the United States, vaccines have been very effective at controlling or sometimes even eradicating infectious diseases. They can help to develop stronger immune responses in people of all ages. These government-approved preventative measures are a safe precaution, which can stop the development of dangerous and even deadly illnesses.
7 Highly Recommended Vaccines for Adults
Today, many different types of vaccines for adults are widely available. By getting immunized, every person has the power to choose to protect themselves from certain common illnesses. Doing so can improve both your physical and mental wellness.
1) The Flu Shot
The flu is a highly contagious illness, which often spreads during the winter months. However, it’s now fairly easy to boost your immunity with a simple shot. It is recommended that just about everyone six months of age or older receive the flu shot once a year.
2) Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for women who are pregnant and for all adults who have not previously received this immunization. Everyone should also get the Td vaccine once every 10 years. These two vaccines for adults provide protection from developing illnesses, like the whooping cough, lockjaw and diphtheria.
3) Shingles
The shingles vaccine, which protects men and women from shingles and complications of the disease, is recommended for healthy adults 50 years of age or older. Although some people could still develop shingles, this immunization may reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
4) Measles and Mumps
After this year’s measles outbreak and a recent rise in cases of the mumps, National Immunization Awareness Month is a good time to check into whether your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is up to date. This immunization, which protects against all three diseases, is important for any adult and especially those who are planning to travel.
5) Meningitis
In certain situations, the CDC recommends that adults receive a meningococcal vaccine. It can boost your immunity to the bacteria that causes meningitis, a disease that may result in brain and spinal cord damage.
If you have any of these risk factors, consider scheduling an appointment for a vaccination.
- Not up to date with the meningococcal vaccine
- A first-year college student living in a residence hall
- A damaged or removed spleen
- HIV-positive
- A military recruit
6) HPV
Nearly 14 million Americans become infected with the HPV virus every year. Although the vaccine for it is commonly-administered in childhood, the FDA has now approved it for men and women 27 through 45 years old. This immunization has been proven to be effective at reducing the likelihood of developing several types of cancer, which are difficult to detect until they cause health problems.
7) Pneumococcal Disease
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines that are recommended for adults 65 years of age and older. One or both of them may be recommended for men and women under the age of 65 who have certain health conditions or who smoke cigarettes.
Get Vaccinated at Advantage Care
If you haven’t checked up on your vaccinations lately, National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to ask your health care professional if you are up to date.
Advantage Care Health Centers offers a wide range of vaccines for adults that can reduce the risk of contracting potentially serious illnesses, like influenza and the measles. To learn more about how we can help you, please request an appointment to see one of our physicians today.
