Immunization Awareness: 5 Vaccines Every Adult Should Revisit

Vaccines aren't just something to think about during childhood. As you get older, your immune system changes, health conditions can affect your risk of complications, and some vaccines need to be repeated or updated over time. 

Our providers here at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology recommend vaccines for adults based on such factors as age, health history, occupation, travel, previous vaccinations, and individual risk factors. 

Vaccines are for adults, too

August was National Immunization Awareness Month, but if you missed it, it’s still not too late to take a fresh look at your vaccination history and make sure you're up to date. Here are five vaccines worth revisiting in adulthood.

Influenza vaccine

Prioritize the flu vaccine every year as an adult. Influenza can be more than an uncomfortable few days of fever and fatigue. It can lead to serious complications, particularly for older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions.

For people with cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes, or other health concerns, preventing influenza can be especially important. We can help you determine which flu vaccine is appropriate for you and when you should receive it.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have changed over time as the virus and available vaccines have evolved. Adults may have different recommendations based on age, previous vaccination, health conditions, and other factors.

If you aren't sure whether you're due for an updated COVID-19 vaccine, our team can review your history and current recommendations with you.

Tdap and Td

Adults should have protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

If you didn't receive the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent or adult, ask us about it. Adults generally need a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years, with Tdap sometimes recommended in place of Td.

Pregnancy is another time at which we may ask you to revisit the Tdap vaccination, since it helps protect both the mother and newborn from pertussis.

Shingles vaccine

If you've had chickenpox, the virus that causes it remains dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

Shingles can cause a painful rash and, in some people, persistent nerve pain after the rash resolves. Shingrix, the recombinant shingles vaccine, is recommended for adults beginning at age 50 and for certain younger adults with weakened immune systems.

If you're eligible and haven't completed the vaccine series, talk with us about getting protected.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis, and other serious illnesses. Risk increases with age and with certain medical conditions.

We recommend pneumococcal vaccination for adults based on age and specific risk factors. Our primary care team can determine whether you need a pneumococcal vaccine and which formulation is appropriate.

Review your whole vaccine history

These five vaccines don’t make up the entire adult immunization schedule. Depending on your age, health history, occupation, travel plans, and previous vaccinations, you may also need vaccines for conditions such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV, RSV, or meningococcal disease.

Your vaccination record may also be incomplete or difficult to track down. Don't assume you're unprotected simply because you can't find your records. We can help determine what you need based on your history and current recommendations.

Preventive care is important

Vaccination is one part of preventive care that can help reduce your risk of serious illness. Even if you missed it, National Immunization Awareness Month is a good reminder to review your vaccine history, especially if it's been several years since you've discussed immunizations with your healthcare provider.

Call us at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology or use our online tool to schedule a visit. We’re conveniently located south of Boston in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and proudly extend our services to communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties.

When you come in, bring any vaccination records you have and ask whether you're due for an update. A few minutes reviewing your immunizations now can be an important part of protecting your health in the years ahead.