Getting vaccinated is not restricted to your formative years. Your lifestyle changes as you age and there are some habits which may put you at risk of acquiring certain diseases. There are also some certain vaccines, which require booster shots when you get older, so it’s important that you stay on top of your recommended vaccination schedule to avoid getting sick.
Flu vaccine
Who should get vaccinated: Everyone, Once a year
This vaccine helps develop antibodies that fight off the effects of influenza infection. According to CDC, the most common flu vaccine called the “trivalent” vaccines protects you from three common flu viruses like influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, and influenza B virus. Meanwhile, the “quadrivalent” flu vaccine also covers the same viruses but includes an extra layer of protection against an additional B virus. It usually takes about two full weeks for the vaccine for the antibodies to develop in your body after the first shot so it is recommended that you get vaccinated before the start of flu season.
HPV vaccine
Who should get vaccinated: Individuals aged 9 to 26 years old
It is quite common for you to acquire HPV or the human papillomavirus virus since 9 out of 10 people get the infection at some point in their lives. However, while HPV generally goes away on its own this doesn’t mean that you should ignore getting vaccinated since you are still at risk of developing serious illnesses like cancer.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination (Tdap)
Who should get vaccinated: Everyone, initial shot is given at 11/12 years old with boosters given every 10 years
The Tdap vaccine protects you from the deadly effects of tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis. These diseases are caused by bacteria and is easily spread from person to person. Tetanus is commonly acquired from infected cuts and bruises while a simple cough or sneeze can spread diphtheria and pertussis.
Hepatitis A and B
Who should get vaccinated: Everyone.
Special cases include street drug users and frequent travelers (most especially those who travel to third world countries with high incidence of hepatitis).
Immunize.org explains that the common symptoms for viral hepatitis include any of the following: jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, among others. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis can protect you from the many serious complications that come with the disease like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Varicella
Who should get vaccinated: Everyone
Chickenpox is a common and highly contagious disease which is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Common symptoms include having itchy rashes, fever, and tiredness. Getting the varicella vaccine is not limited to children since there are special cases to consider in adults who need the vaccine like: those who haven’t been vaccinated as a child and healthcare workers who are exposed to certain diseases on a daily basis. Also, chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus so it’s important that you ask your doctor about another set of vaccinations to prevent the occurrence of shingles (recommended for patients aged 60 and older).
