Note: Immunizations are injections or shots that help our bodies fight serious or life-threatening diseases. In this article, we'll use the terms "immunization," "vaccination," and "shot" to mean the same thing.
When we think of people who need vaccinations, most of us think of children. But today, more and more health experts say we need immunization shots throughout our lifetimes. Sometimes, though, it can be confusing to decide if you need one.
So far, there's no standard guide for who needs a vaccination – everybody's different. People in great health may be able to skip some shots. Others whose health is not so good are smart to keep their vaccinations current.
As always, your first and best choice for information is your doctor. Your doctor knows your medical history and your overall health. Your doctor also has the latest on who should get vaccinations.
Another good source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can visit its website at cdc.gov. The site has regular updates on the types of vaccines out there, and who should receive them. There are several other helpful websites you can visit. In fact, the staff at the Mayo Clinic put together much of the information in this article. You can find more at mayoclinic.com.
These won't hurt a bit.
So now we know adults need immunizations, too. Which do you need? Here's a list of the typical adult vaccinations. Below each is a description of who should or shouldn't receive it. However, this is not a complete list of all adult vaccinations. To find out which are best for you, talk to your doctor.
Seasonal Influenza - "Flu"
Who should get the vaccination
Doctors now say all adults should have a flu vaccination. You can now get yours in the form of a shot or a nasal spray, although pregnant women should get the shot. It's especially important if you:
- Have a chronic or long-term illness
- Have a weak immune system
- Work in a healthcare setting
- Live in a long-term care facility
- Live with or care for anyone at high risk of flu-related complications. This includes children age 5 or younger.
The flu vaccine is NOT recommended if:
- You're allergic to eggs
- You've had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past
- You're currently ill
You should also check with your doctor if you've ever had Guillain-Barre syndrome.
When to get the vaccination
Get one dose of the flu vaccine each year. The best time is in October or November.
Pneumonia
Get the pneumonia vaccine if:
- You're age 65 or older
- You have a chronic illness
- You have a weak immune system
- You've had your spleen removed
- You live in a long-term care facility
- You smoke
Who should NOT get the vaccination
- People who've had an allergic reaction to a pneumonia vaccine in the past
- People who are currently ill
When to get the vaccination
Get one dose of the pneumonia vaccine at any time. You may need a second dose if you're younger than age 65.
Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis - "Tdap"
One dose of this vaccination prevents three diseases: tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis or whooping cough. It's also called the "Tdap" vaccine. Adults should get this vaccine if:
- You're between the ages 19 to 64
- You have a wound that could become infected
- You have close contact with infants
- You just gave birth and haven't had a Tdap vaccine
- You might become pregnant
- You work in a healthcare setting
Certain people age 65 or older should also get a Tdap vaccine. If you've never had a Tdap vaccine before, you should get one.
You should NOT get a Tdap vaccine if:
- You've had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the Td (Tetanus/Diptheria) or Tdap vaccine
- You're pregnant
- You've suffered seizures or a coma or seizures within seven days of a previous pertussis vaccine
- You're currently ill
See your doctor if you have epilepsy or you've had Guillain-Barre syndrome.
When to get the vaccination
Get one dose of Tdap if you never finished the tetanus-diphtheria or Td series. If you don't know if you've ever had the Td vaccine, you should get one, and get a second dose four weeks after the first dose. Get a third dose six to 12 months after the second dose. Then, get a Td booster every 10 years.
Meningitis
Get the meningitis vaccine if:
- You didn't get the vaccine as a child or teen
- You will be living in a dormitory for the first time
- You travel to or work in places where meningitis is common
- You've had your spleen taken out
- You live in a community in which an outbreak occurs
You should NOT get the meningitis vaccine if you're currently ill. Talk to your doctor if you've had Guillain-Barre syndrome.
When to get the vaccination
You can receive one dose of the meningitis vaccine at any time. There are two different types of meningitis vaccines. If you're age 55 or younger, get the "meningococcal conjugate" vaccine. If you're age 56 or older, get the "meningococcal polysaccharide" vaccine. Get a second dose eight weeks later if you have certain health conditions, like HIV.
Chickenpox
Get the chickenpox vaccine if:
- You didn't get chickenpox as a child or teen
- You've never had chickenpox, especially if you live with someone who has a weak immune system
- You aren't sure whether you've had chickenpox
- You're thinking about having a baby and don't know if you're immune to chickenpox
You should NOT get the chickenpox vaccine if:
- You have a weak immune system
- You're currently ill
- You've had an allergic reaction to gelatin, or to the antibiotic neomycin
- You're pregnant, or you might become pregnant within four weeks of having the vaccine
When to get the vaccination
Get one dose of the chickenpox vaccine at any time. Get a second dose at least four weeks after the first dose.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella - "MMR"
This three-in-one shot is also known as the MMR vaccine.
You should get the combined MMR vaccine if you were born in or after 1957. If you never had an MMR vaccine, you should also get one.
You should NOT have the MMR vaccine if:
- You were born before 1957
- You have a weak immune system
- You're currently ill
- You've ever had an allergic reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin
- You've recently had a blood transfusion
- You're pregnant, or you might become pregnant within four weeks of having the vaccine
When to get the vaccination
Get one dose of the MMR vaccine at any time. Get a second dose four weeks after the first dose if:
- You've been recently exposed to measles
- You know an outbreak is happening in your community
- You're a healthcare worker
- You were vaccinated with a "killed measles" vaccine or an unknown type of measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967
- You travel frequently
- You're a college student
- You've had a rubella blood test that shows no immunity
So remember: vaccines aren't just for kids anymore. They can help us stay healthy during our adult years, too. Ask your doctor which ones are best for you. Here's to your health!
