Adult Immunizations: Vaccines Are Not Just for Kids

Immunization Awareness Month and serves as a great reminder of the important role that regular immunizations play in making communities healthier. Vaccinations are often easier to remember when a school or organization requires them. Many adults, however, don’t have these regular reminders.

Immunizations are recommended for all ages and are one of the safest and most effective defenses against preventable diseases. Following recommended vaccination schedules from birth to adulthood can help you stay healthy, protected from serious diseases, and avoid unnecessary downtime. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Take advantage of the “yearly physical” reminders you see around the start of school and schedule a wellness appointment for yourself. Ask your provider if there are any immunizations you should get. Adult vaccines are recommended based on a number of factors, including age, prior vaccination history, health, lifestyle, occupation and travel patterns.

Immunizations are recommended for all ages and are one of the safest and most effective defenses against preventable diseases.

Certain health conditions, lifestyles or risk factors – like pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic illness, immune disorders, severe allergies and cancer treatments – can play into the benefit and timing of vaccinations.

All adults can benefit from vaccinations that help prevent a number of diseases, including influenza, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis and whooping cough. Some vaccines, like the Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines, can even help prevent certain cancers that might result from vaccine-preventable infections.

By staying current on the appropriate immunizations, you’re not only helping to protect yourself, but others in your family and community by reducing the incidence of contagious illness.

If you need a primary care provider to discuss vaccines or other health concerns you may be experiencing, Providence can help you identify one. Call 800-424-DOCS or visit https://www.yourprovidencehealth.com/find-a-doctor/.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines. For easy-to-read immunization schedules for children and adults, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-ro-read/index.html.