As children, most of us faithfully received our recommended vaccinations without much question. However, as adults it can be easy to think that vaccines are no longer necessary since we are past childhood illness. But the truth is that disease risks do not stop at adulthood – many vaccine preventable diseases still pose threats as we get older. With new vaccines continuing to be developed and immunity from childhood vaccines often waning over time, staying up to date on adult vaccines market is critical for protecting health at every stage of life.
Vaccines for common adult diseases
Several routine vaccinations are recommended specifically for adults. Two of the most important are the flu shot and Tdap booster.
– Influenza: Yearly flu shots are important for everyone ages 6 months and older. While the flu is unpredictable, vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce risks of flu illness, doctor visits, hospitalizations and even death. Annual vaccination is needed due to constant antigenic changes in circulating flu strains each season. The flu shot is safe and does not cause the flu.
– Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis: Adults need a one-time Tdap booster vaccine to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A childhood DTaP series only provides protection for 10-12 years, making the Tdap booster critical for maintaining immunity later in life. Pertussis rates have been rising in recent years, even infecting and killing some adults and babies too young for vaccination. Tdap is important to help prevent spread to vulnerable groups.
– Pneumococcal disease: Two types of pneumococcal vaccines – PPSV23 and PCV13 – protect against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. PPSV23 is recommended for all adults 65 and older as well as those ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions. PCV13 is given to some older adults based on health history and prior vaccination.
– Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis A and B vaccines provide long-lasting protection against these viral liver infections. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for certain adult groups at higher risk of exposure, areas with increasing rates, international travelers and those with chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B vaccine is advised for any unvaccinated adults at risk, including those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
– HPV: The human papillomavirus vaccine, more commonly known as the HPV vaccine, is important for preventing various cancers caused by HPV in both males and females through age 45 who did not complete the vaccine series as preteens/teens. Nearly all cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers are caused by HPV. Vaccination provides the best protection.
– Meningococcal disease: Meningococcal vaccines protect against bacterial meningitis, a sometimes deadly form of meningitis, from four main serogroups – A, B, C and W. The MenACWY vaccine is routinely recommended for all adolescents as well as certain adults ages 21-65 with risks like in college dorms. MenB is recommended for those ages 10-25 with certain underlying health conditions.
Vaccines for older adults
While the above vaccines are advised across various adult age groups, vaccines for older adults in particular focus on disease risks that rise sharply with age:
– Shingles: Caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus decades after initial infection, shingles occurs in about one out of every three Americans. The pain and discomfort from shingles’ rash, usually occurring on one side of the torso or face, can persist long after the rash clears in a painful condition known as postherpetic neuralgia which is an even bigger concern for older adults. The two-dose Shingrix shingles vaccine provides more than 90% protection against shingles and its complications, even for older adults in their 70s and 80s. It offers stronger and longer-lasting protection than the older Zostavax vaccine.
– Pneumococcal vaccines: As mentioned above, two types of pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These risks are especially high for those 65 and older, as are complications and death. Getting recommended pneumococcal shots is critical in senior years to help prevent pneumococcal disease.
Vaccine hesitancy and safety
While clear guidelines exist for recommended adult vaccinations at different life stages, many adults are still underimmunized due to fears or misinformation about vaccine safety and side effects. Concerns often stem from a lack of accurate knowledge about how vaccines work and are tested. The truth is that vaccines undergo extensive research and years of safety testing before approval to ensure they are as safe as possible. Minor side effects like soreness or fever are a sign the vaccine is working to build immunity and are usually very brief. Serious reactions are extremely rare. On the other hand, failure to vaccinate leaves adults vulnerable to diseases that can become life-threatening as immunity fades over time. Vaccines help keep such diseases rare and protect community health, not just personal immunity.
With new vaccines continually in development to battle pneumonia, shingles and certain cancers among others, staying up to date with health authorities’ vaccination guidelines will help ensure long-term protection during adulthood. Taking time to understand vaccine science can help reassure those with hesitancy while promoting broader health. With vaccination, age no longer needs to equal greater disease risk. Instead, we can continue to enjoy healthy, active lives through every stage.
In summary, while childhood vaccination is routine, adult vaccines market are equally vital for maintaining immunity against a variety of preventable diseases. From annual flu shots and booster doses to protection against shingles and pneumonia specifically in senior years, vaccines are our best defense as risks shift with age. Staying informed on recommended vaccines empowers adults to take proactive steps for long-term well-being. Together with reasonable safety measures, vaccines represent one of medicine’s greatest success stories – and ensure good health is possible at every age.