Vaccines aren’t just for kids; they’re for adults, too! Vaccines protect you from serious illnesses that can lead to complications or even death, and they also help protect your community by reducing the spread of contagious diseases. 

Just as with childhood vaccines, there’s a certain schedule for adults. Some are annual, some are less frequent than that, and some are only needed when traveling abroad. 

So how do you know if you’re up to date with the immunizations and vaccinations you need? That’s where Rescue MD in Allen, Texas, comes into the picture. We’re primary care specialists, and our team can get you up to date with your vaccines. 

These are the essential vaccines every adult should have.

Influenza vaccine 

The flu can cause severe illness, hospitalization, worsening of any chronic conditions, and even death. The flu is particularly troublesome for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes. 

Your annual flu shot can help you avoid getting sick, but if you get sick, the vaccine reduces the risk of serious complications. While you don’t need a flu shot in July, put this one on your radar for the fall.

Tdap vaccine

The Tdap vaccine protects you against three different diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus can cause painful muscle stiffness, diphtheria can lead to breathing problems and heart failure, and pertussis can cause severe coughing fits.

Adults should receive a Tdap vaccine once if they didn’t get it as an adolescent. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy. Because pertussis can be very serious for newborns, dads, grandparents, babysitters, and anyone else spending time around newborns should also consider getting a Tdap vaccine.

You should get a booster shot for tetanus and diphtheria (Td) every 10 years.

MMR vaccine

Getting the MMR vaccine also protects you against three diseases. Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

While you usually get this vaccine during childhood, certain adults, such as health care workers or those traveling internationally, may need two doses spaced out by at least 28 days.

Chicken pox vaccine

Adults who get chicken pox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, are at higher risk for severe disease. They’re also at risk of developing shingles later on. There are different chicken pox vaccines, and not all of them are approved for adults. However, Varivax is intended for adults. 

If you’ve never had chicken pox or were never vaccinated, you should get two doses of the varicella vaccine. 

Shingles vaccine

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash that can lead to long-term nerve pain. Adults 50 and older — or 19 and older with a compromised immune system — should get the Shingrix vaccine, which is given in two doses 2-6 months apart.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine  

HPV can cause cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers, as well as genital warts. This vaccine is intended for youths as well as adults up to age 26.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, which can be especially severe in older adults and those with certain medical conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific pneumococcal vaccines depending on your age and risk factors.

COVID-19

COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. All adults should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive any recommended booster doses.

Other vaccines 

Some adults may need other vaccines not listed here. For example, a yellow fever vaccine is required for traveling to specific locations. 

We know it can feel overwhelming to keep track of your vaccines. Our team makes it easy. We follow the CDC’s schedule of recommended vaccines for adults, and we can help you get caught up and stay up to date no matter which vaccines you need.

For more information on this topic, please reach out to RescueMD at 972-390-7667. We are an internal medicine, weight loss, and women’s health practice serving Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas. In addition to physicians, we have registered dietitians and personal trainers on staff to treat and manage most cases.