Adult Immunizations

 

While vaccines are often linked to childhood, adult immunizations are just as important for lifelong health. As you get older, your immune system changes, and the protection from childhood vaccines can weaken, leaving you more vulnerable to certain illnesses. Staying current with your immunizations helps your body maintain a strong defense against serious diseases.

The right immunizations for you will depend on your specific circumstances, including your age, health, lifestyle, and even your job. Our team takes the time to understand you and your health history, allowing us to create a personalized immunization plan that meets your unique needs.

Essential Adult Immunizations to Consider

Your physician will partner with you to determine the right vaccination schedule for your needs. Based on your health profile, we may recommend the following vaccinations to protect you against preventable diseases.

Annual Respiratory Protections

Every year, a new wave of influenza sweeps the nation. For healthy adults, the flu can mean miserable days in bed with a high fever and a severe cough. For individuals age 50 or older, or those with chronic health conditions, the flu can quickly become life-threatening. We recommend one vaccination every fall to prevent the virus in healthy adults and to prevent severe complications in high-risk patients.

Vaccination, including regular boosters, is highly recommended for protection against the coronavirus. COVID-19 causes a wide range of debilitating symptoms, including fever, chills, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and deep fatigue. Staying updated on your boosters helps protect your respiratory system and your overall health.

Defending Against Bacterial Infections

Pneumococcal bacteria can cause severe infections of the lungs, bloodstream, and brain. These infections represent a significant cause of death each year in the United States. Talk to your doctor to see if a pneumococcal vaccine is right for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Adults need a one-dose "TDaP" booster every 10 years to maintain protection against these life-threatening infections, which include whooping cough. If you are not sure when you received your last booster, check with your doctor. We highly recommend the TDaP booster for anyone who works with children, healthcare workers, EMS personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, and other public service professionals.

A female doctor in a white lab coat and blue scrubs wears white medical gloves as she applies a bandage to the upper arm of an elderly African American man.
An African American doctor in a white lab coat and stethoscope administers an injection into the upper arm of a female patient

Protection from Viral Conditions

If you are 13 years of age or older and have never had chickenpox or the Varicella vaccine, you remain at risk. Your doctor can advise you on the best steps to safely acquire immunity against this highly contagious virus.

If you never contracted these diseases as a child and were never immunized against them, it is important to talk with your physician. These viruses are incredibly contagious and can be caught simply by talking with an infected person. They also carry serious, long-term complications for adults. A simple series of two shots provides lasting protection.

According to the CDC, about one in every three people in the U.S. will develop shingles during their lifetime. This condition causes a highly painful skin rash that usually appears on one side of the face or body. Shingles is much more common in adults over 50 years of age and in people with weakened immune systems. It results from a reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

Safeguarding Your Liver

Hepatitis A is a serious liver infection. A one-time vaccination offers highly effective protection and is recommended for every adult to ensure long-term liver health.

The CDC recommends that all adults receive testing for Hepatitis B, regardless of their current vaccination status. Based on your results and risk factors, your provider may recommend a repeats vaccine series to guarantee your protection from this dangerous liver disease.

Travel Immunizations

If you are planning an international trip, your health and safety should be a top priority. Be sure to ask your doctor if your destination requires specific immunizations for infectious diseases common to that region. We can help you prepare so you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

A smiling young woman with long braids proudly displays a yellow patterned bandage on her upper arm against a bright blue background.

Partner with Us for Your Health

Your health journey is unique, and you deserve care that reflects your specific needs. Our dedicated team is here to provide clear, evidence-based guidance to help you navigate your adult immunizations.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases by being proactive about your health. Please call the PriMED office nearest you or reach out to your physician directly via your patient portal.