Some of the Most Common Vaccines and Adult Vaccination Schedules 

Updated: July 2023

While you may have had all your basic vaccinations when you were a child, as an adult, there are still adult vaccination schedules you need to stay healthy and avoid serious health complications. 

For evidence, just look at the statistics:

• On average, around 400,000 Americans have experienced flu-related hospitalizations since 2010. 
  • During that period, the flu also killed more than 56,000 Americans, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Approximately 1 out of every 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. 
• HPV – the human papillomavirus – is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will experience the virus at some point.

However, the good news is that you can still protect yourself by getting the vaccinations you need before it’s too late.

Which Immunizations Do You Need As Part of Your Adult Vaccination Schedule? 

The adult vaccination schedules are partially determined by your risk factors, your age, and your lifestyle. For example, those who frequently travel abroad may need certain vaccinations because they are more likely to be exposed to certain diseases.

Here are some of the most common adult vaccines and the adult vaccination schedule of when you would need them:

THE FLU VACCINE

If the statistics above weren’t sobering enough for you, keep in mind that the flu also accounts for millions of dollars in lost productivity and job revenue every year. 

Even if you wash your hands and follow all precautions, your coworkers may not be as diligent. Worse, some may come to work while exhibiting flu symptoms, exposing everyone in your office to the virus.

WHO SHOULD GET A FLU VACCINATION?

With a few exceptions, every adult needs a flu vaccination annually as part of their adult vaccination schedules. The flu can cause serious complications, and your overall health needs to get one at the start of flu season.

Those who should NOT have the flu shot include:

• Anyone with allergies to any component of the vaccine—such as egg protein.  Thankfully, due to new technologies, many of the new flu vaccines are safe, even for those with egg allergies.  Use of preservatives, such as thimerosal, is now very limited due to the use of single dose, pre-filled syringes.
• Those who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Those who are currently sick

Myths About the Flu Vaccine

There are some common myths surrounding the flu vaccine. One of them is the belief that the flu shot can give you the flu. This is not true. The flu vaccine contains inactivated viruses or pieces of the virus, so it cannot cause the flu. 

Another myth is that getting the flu vaccine is unnecessary because the flu is not a serious illness. In reality, the flu can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

THE MENINGITIS VACCINE

Meningitis is a serious disease in which the brain and spinal cord membranes are inflamed. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Certain injuries, drugs, or types of cancer can also cause meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is very serious—while most people recover, meningitis can cause permanent and often disabling problems such as brain damage, loss of extremities, and serious learning difficulties. However, you can also die within a matter of hours. This is why the meningitis vaccine is an important element of adult vaccination schedules.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

• Vomiting
• Stiff neck, headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to light

WHO SHOULD GET THE MENINGITIS VACCINE?

Adults who are at risk should get the immunization. This includes:

• Anyone who is not currently up-to-date with this immunization
• Those who will be living in close quarters such as college students or military recruits
• Those traveling to countries where the disease is prevalent
• Anyone who has had a spleen removed or damaged
• Those with HIV
• Those who are in an area where an outbreak has occurred.

The Pneumonia Vaccine

Have you considered getting the pneumonia vaccine as part of your adult vaccination schedules? It’s a good way to protect yourself against this respiratory infection.

Pneumonia is caused by an infection that makes the lungs’ air sacs fill with fluid. Many people with pneumonia can recover with treatment. However, for those with weakened immune systems or those over 65, it can be life-threatening. This disease kills thousands of Americans each year.

WHO SHOULD HAVE THE PNEUMONIA VACCINE?

Essentially, all adults aged 65 or older should have the pneumonia vaccine as a part of their adult vaccination schedule, although there are some situations in which younger adults should have it as well.   The pneumonia vaccine may be a single dose, or a series of two, depending on past pneumonia vaccinations.

Those who are 19 through 64 and at greater risk of contracting pneumonia include:

• Those who smoke
• Those with diabetes
• Those who have chronic illnesses
• Those with compromised immune systems

THE SHINGLES VACCINE

If you have had chickenpox, you are at greater risk of developing shingles, a disease that causes a rash and postherpetic neuralgia (severe pain) in the areas where the rash appeared. Roughly 1 out of 3 Americans will develop shingles, and while it is possible to get shingles multiple times, most only have it once, according to information from the CDC. 

WHO SHOULD GET THE SHINGLES VACCINE?

Any healthy adult who is 50 or older should get it as a part of their adult vaccination schedule. Your risk of shingles gradually increases as you age.

HPV – THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE

Almost all sexually active men and women have had HPV at some point, putting them at a higher risk for certain types of cancers. 

HPV is not just one virus, but a group of more than 150. These viruses can cause several diseases such as genital warts and various types of cancer, including cancers of the:

• Anus
• Mouth
• Throat
• Penis
• Cervix
• Vagina
• Vulva

WHO SHOULD GET THE HPV VACCINE?

While HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys ages 11–12 years old, young adults who didn’t start or finish the vaccination series should be immunized. 

Young women can get the HPV vaccine until they turn 27 years old, young men should get the vaccine until they are 22. 

However, those who have weakened immune systems should get HPV vaccinations until they are 27. Transgender individuals should get the HPV vaccine until they are 27. The HPV vaccine can also be given to individuals from 27-45 if they were not adequately vaccinated at a younger age.  This delayed option should be discussed with your provider to ensure that if will be of benefit.

DID YOU HAVE THE TDAP VACCINE AS A TEEN? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD HAVE IT AS PART OF YOUR ADULT VACCINATION SCHEDULE.

You should have the TDAP vaccine if you didn’t receive it as a teen. This protects you from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough). We’ll take a closer look at these three diseases.

• Tetanus (also called lockjaw) is caused by a type of bacteria found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. It usually develops after being cut with a knife, nail, or other object. If not treated, it can cause painful, tight muscles throughout the body. Eventually, the jaw muscles will lock, making it impossible to open your mouth or swallow.
• Diphtheria causes a sore throat, chills, swollen glands, and a fever. If it’s not treated promptly, it can cause heart failure, paralysis, or other complications.
• Whooping cough (pertussis) is much more common in infants, but adults can still catch it. The disease gets its name from the noise made by taking a breath after intense coughing. Whooping cough (pertussis) can be deadly, especially for children under one year old. 

It is recommended that all adults have a TDAP shot (x1) to protect against pertussis. We recommend having tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years as part of a routine adult vaccination schedule.

Women should have the TDAP vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks. A tetanus booster should be given every 10 years after the initial shot or any time there is a severe cut or burn.

The COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, leading to widespread illness and loss of life. The development of COVID vaccines has been a crucial step in combating the virus and bringing the pandemic under control. 

WHO SHOULD GET THE COVID VACCINE AS PART OF THEIR ADULT VACCINATION SCHEDULES?

It is recommended that all eligible individuals receive the COVID vaccine. At first, the vaccines were prioritized for healthcare workers, older adults, and those who were at risk because of underlying health conditions. 

However, as vaccine availability increased, eligibility expanded to include the general population, including adolescents and young adults. 

Vaccination is particularly important for individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness or complications from COVID-19, such as older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Myths About the COVID Vaccine

Dispelling myths about the COVID vaccine is crucial in promoting vaccine acceptance and combating misinformation. Here are some common myths and the corresponding facts:

Myth: The COVID vaccine was developed too quickly, so it is not safe.

Fact: While the COVID vaccines were developed and authorized for emergency use in record time, the speed was a result of unprecedented global collaboration and scientific advancements, not a compromise on safety. Rigorous testing and evaluation were conducted to ensure the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness.

Myth: The COVID vaccine can alter your DNA.

Fact: None of the authorized COVID vaccines alter your DNA. The vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines, work by instructing cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus’s spike protein, triggering an immune response to protect against future infections.

Myth: The COVID vaccine causes severe side effects.

Fact: The COVID vaccines have undergone extensive testing in clinical trials, and the reported side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or mild flu-like symptoms. Serious side effects are rare.

Myth: If you have already had COVID-19, you don’t need the vaccine.

Fact: It is still recommended to get vaccinated even if you have previously had COVID-19. Natural immunity may not provide long-lasting protection, and the vaccine can help boost and strengthen your immune response.

Myth: The COVID vaccine contains a microchip or tracking device.

Fact: There is no truth to this claim. The COVID vaccines do not contain any tracking devices or microchips. The ingredients in the vaccines are thoroughly tested and documented.

It is crucial to rely on credible sources to get accurate and reliable information about the COVID vaccines. Remember, we are your resource and a partner in your health care. We want you to feel free to express any concerns or ask any questions you have about the COVID-19 vaccine.

TRAVELING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY? YOU MAY NEED SPECIFIC VACCINATIONS.

If you’re traveling to certain countries, you may need additional immunizations added to your adult vaccination schedules to protect against diseases such as:

• Yellow fever
• Polio
• Cholera

Not sure which ones you should get? The Centers for Disease Control has a comprehensive list on their Traveler’s Health webpage.  The vaccines noted above are not offered at any of our locations, but may be obtained at your local health department or Passport Health.

RALEIGH MEDICAL GROUP PROVIDES THE IMMUNIZATIONS YOU NEED.

At Raleigh Medical Group, we believe that immunizations are an important part of maintaining your health. If you have any questions about what vaccines you may want or need, or your adult vaccination schedule, please schedule an appointment.