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August is Immunization Awareness Month
Vaccines For Adults: Which Do You Need?
You may think that because you're not a kid anymore, you don't have to worry about shots. But adults need them, too. Here's how to stay on top of your vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccines for adults based on:
- Age
- Prior vaccinations
- Health
- Lifestyle
- Occupation
- Travel destinations
- Sexual activity
To gather information about your vaccination status, talk to your parents or other caregivers. Check with your health care provider's office. If necessary, you may check with previous health care organizations where you received care. Or check with your schools or employers who required vaccinations. You could also contact your state health department to see if it has a registry that includes adult immunizations.
Talk to your health care provider about your specific needs. Adult vaccines to consider include:
- COVID-19
- Flu (influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Shingles
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (Tdap)
To help you keep track of your vaccines, ask your health care provider for an immunization record form. Bring the form with you to all of your health care visits. Ask your provider to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive.
Remember, adults need vaccinations based on their age and health conditions. Some health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, increase a person’s risk of severe illness from vaccine-preventable infections.
For information about adult immunization information, visit here.