As children, most of us received vaccines and boosters to help protect us from diseases like measles, mumps, and tetanus. As healthcare research has evolved, many vaccines have been developed and marketed toward adults over the years – leaving many overwhelmed by the choices and asking, “Do I need this vaccine?”
Vaccines stimulate the immune system and protect individuals from infectious diseases. They are typically made from weakened or inactivated forms of the disease-causing microorganism (e.g., virus, bacteria, or other pathogens) or parts of the microorganism, such as proteins or toxins. When a person receives a vaccine, it triggers the immune system to produce an immune response, similar to what would happen if they were naturally exposed to the disease-causing agent.
The immune response generated by the vaccine helps the body recognize and remember the specific pathogen. If the person is later exposed to the actual, live pathogen, their immune system can quickly respond, recognize, and eliminate it before it causes illness. In essence, vaccines provide a way for the body to build immunity without having to experience full-blown disease.
By simulating an immune response without causing the actual disease, vaccines provide a safe and controlled way for the immune system to learn how to defend against specific pathogens. This process is known as “immunization,” and it helps to protect not only the vaccinated individual but also the community by reducing the transmission of infectious diseases. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated (a concept known as herd immunity), it becomes more challenging for the pathogen to spread, further protecting vulnerable individuals who may not be able to receive vaccines due to medical reasons.
Vaccines have played a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, and they have been instrumental in reducing the burden of many illnesses worldwide, such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, influenza, and more.
What are common vaccines for adults? The recommended vaccines for adults may vary depending on criteria such as age, health status, lifestyle, occupation, and travel plans. Your medical provider can make recommendations for adult vaccines and help address your questions and concerns.
Some common vaccines that are often recommended for adults include:
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended annually to protect against seasonal influenza viruses, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or those at higher risk of severe complications.
- Tdap/Td Vaccine: Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) is a one-time booster vaccine recommended for adults to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). After receiving the Tdap vaccine, a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster is recommended every 10 years.
- Hepatitis A Vaccine: Recommended for certain high-risk individuals, including travelers to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence, people with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, and injection drug users.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for adults at increased risk of hepatitis B infection, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, individuals with chronic liver disease, and those who use injection drugs.
- Pneumococcal Vaccines: Adults over 65 years old and those with certain medical conditions may be recommended to receive pneumococcal vaccines to protect against pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia and meningitis.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50 years old to protect against shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Recommended for adults up to age 26 to protect against certain strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other conditions.
- MMR Vaccine: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is recommended for adults who have not previously received two doses or are at risk of these diseases.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Recommended for certain high-risk individuals and travelers to regions with high meningococcal disease prevalence.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: Recommended for adults who have not previously had chickenpox or received the vaccine.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances.
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