Getting vaccinated is crucial not just for children, but for adults as well. Vaccines not only help prevent the spread of diseases, but also protect individuals from serious disease-related complications and even death. In fact, an estimated 51 million deaths can be prevented through the vaccines administered between 2021 and 2030.
In this blog, we will discuss the vaccines recommended for adults and the benefits of keeping up with the CDC guidelines.
Vaccines recommended for adults
There are several vaccines recommended for adults to boost and maintain immunity to the most common preventable diseases. They are:
Influenza vaccine
The Influenza vaccine is a yearly vaccine designed to prevent the flu, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The vaccine works by exposing the body to small amounts of inactivated flu virus that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can effectively fight off the virus in case of exposure.
The flu can cause a range of complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, and worsening of chronic health conditions like asthma and heart disease. Getting vaccinated is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and the serious illnesses that can result. It is estimated that in the 2021–2022 season alone, the flu vaccine prevented 1.8 million flu-related illnesses, 22,000 hospitalizations, and about 1,000 deaths.
Are there variations for older adults?
Older adults are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu, which is why there are modified vaccines recommended for adults 65 and older.
- The adjuvanted vaccine contains an added ingredient that helps to enhance the body’s immune response and maximize the effect of the vaccine.
- The Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine contains the antigens of four different strains of the flu virus to provide greater protection for more vulnerable adults.
What are the common side effects of the influenza vaccine, and how long do they last?
The most common side effects of the influenza vaccine include:- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
Shingrix Vaccine
The Shingrix vaccine helps protect against the varicella-zoster virus which causes both shingles and chickenpox. Shingles, which affects nearly one-third of US adults in their lifetime, can cause severe pain, itching, and discomfort, as well as cause health complications like vision loss, neurological problems, and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). For older adults and people with compromised immune systems, it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, the Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN in adults over 50 years, and for this reason it is one of the most important vaccines recommended for adults.Are there variations of the Shingrix vaccine for older adults?
There are no variations of the Shingrix vaccine for older adults, as this vaccine is primarily recommended for adults over 50 years.What are the common side effects of the Shingrix vaccine, and how long do they last?
The most common side effect of the shingles vaccine is redness or swelling at the injection site and a sore arm, but sometimes, people experience the following:- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Shivering and mild fever
Tdap vaccine
Tdap is a combination vaccine designed to protect against three serious bacterial diseases:- Tetanus: A rare but severe condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms
- Diphtheria: An infection that affects the respiratory system, causing inflammation and, if it enters the bloodstream, heart, nerve, and kidney issues
- Pertussis (whooping cough): A highly contagious respiratory disease that causes severe coughing fits and that can, in children, cause breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and hospitalization
Are there variations of the Tdap vaccine for older adults?
There are no specific variations of the Tdap vaccine for older adults, but there is a similar vaccine called Td for people who have a contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccines. Td protects from tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis. However, because pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants, it’s recommended that adults—especially those who will be in close contact with infants, such as grandparents or childcare providers, receive the Tdap vaccine.What are the common side effects of the Tdap vaccine, and how long do they last?
The most common side effects associated with Tdap include:- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to a range of serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. These infections are particularly dangerous for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumococcal pneumonia alone results in the hospitalization of nearly 150,000 people each year in the U.S. It is crucial to receive this vaccine, which has prevented thousands of cases, to protect not only yourself but those around you who are particularly vulnerable.Are there variations for older adults?
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: polysaccharide and conjugate, both of which are recommended for adults of 65 years in different cases.What are the common side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine, and how long do they last?
The most common side effects following the polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine include:- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Headache
- Chills
COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness that can lead to hospitalization and death—particularly among older and immunocompromised adults. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing COVID-19 infection, as well as highly effective in reducing the risk of related illness and death. Though the severity and prevalence of infection has decreased, COVID-19 is still one of the most important vaccines recommended for adults.
Are there variations of the COVID-19 vaccine for older adults?
There are no particular variations of the COVID-19 vaccine for older adults, but there are three different types of the vaccine:
- mRNA vaccines which use genetic codes to form proteins unique to the virus
- Subunit vaccines which use a harmless piece of the virus (protein subunit) as well as adjuvants to further strengthen the body’s immune response
- Viral vector vaccines which use a harmless modification of another virus
What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, and how long do they last?
Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include:
- Swelling at the injection site and pain in the arm
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
What are important vaccinations for older adults?
As we age, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to serious illnesses. This means that vaccine-preventable infections pose a much higher risk of serious complications in older adults, making the above recommended vaccines for adults particularly important for those over 50 years, and especially those over 65 years of age. During the 2019–2020 flu season, for example, 83% of flu-related deaths occurred in people over the age of 65.
What vaccines should you get after 50?
The above five vaccines—influenza, Tdap, Shingrix, pneumococcal, and COVID-19—are the recommended vaccines for adults over 50. The recommended number of doses, boosters, and other variations may vary based on factors such as vaccine history and other health factors.
If you have age-related concerns or other questions about which vaccines are recommended for you specifically, call one of our local Carolina pharmacies to review your vaccine history with a trusted pharmacist.
Adult vaccine schedule
For most adults:
The influenza vaccine is typically given as a single dose each year, preferably before the start of the flu season in the fall.
A Tdap or Td booster should be given every 10 years following the first shot to boost immunity at age 11 or 12.
The COVID-19 vaccine is given in two doses, separated by 3–8 weeks for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax vaccines and by 4–8 weeks for the Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given as a single dose.
For older adults:
Two doses of the Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older.
The high-dose influenza vaccine is given as a single dose each year to adults 65 years and older.
A single dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) is recommended for all adults aged 65 years and older who have not previously received it. If PCV15 is used, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23.
For pregnant women:
The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.
For individuals who are immunocompromised:
There are some adults who should not get certain vaccines because of health conditions, and there are others who may need additional vaccines due to heightened exposure or vulnerability. If you’re not sure which vaccines you specifically should get, talk to a Thomas Seashore pharmacist.
You can find the complete adult immunization schedule for vaccines recommended for adults on the CDC website.
Are there mandatory vaccinations for adults?
There are some situations in which certain vaccinations are required for adults. Here are a few examples:
Immigration to the U.S.: Depending on the country you are coming from and your visa status, you may be required to receive certain vaccinations before entering the United States.
Health care workers: Certain vaccinations are recommended, or required in some states, for healthcare workers who may be exposed to infectious diseases.
Booster shots for adults
Booster shots are additional doses of a vaccine that are given after the initial doses to help “boost” the patient’s immunity. The protection provided by some vaccines recommended for adults wanes over time, so booster shots are recommended for long-term protection.
What vaccines need boosters?
The following vaccines are recommended to have booster shots:
At Thomas Seashore drugs, we want to make this immunization maintenance as easy and accessible as possible: if you are due for a booster, or any vaccine, simply book an appointment online for a quick, convenient, and seamless process.
What are the common side effects of these vaccines, and how long do they last?
The common side effects of booster shots are generally mild and similar to those of the initial doses, and they typically resolve on their own within a few days.
What to know about vaccines recommended for adults
How many vaccines can be given at once for adults?
Aside from a couple of exceptions, it is considered safe to receive several of these recommended vaccines for adults in the same day. However, they should be administered at different sites and using different syringes. In fact, receiving multiple vaccines at once is sometimes necessary—for travel outside the U.S. for example—and can be more convenient.
Which vaccines cannot be given together?
Most vaccines recommended for adults can be administered during the same visit, aside from a few exceptions:
- The PCV13 and PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccines
- The varicella and smallpox vaccines
- The PCV13 and MenACWY-D (Menactra) vaccines, for people with functional or anatomic asplenia or HIV
Keeping up with the recommended vaccines for adults can have significant benefits in preventing the spread of disease and maintaining good health, especially as we age. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also those around us who may be more vulnerable to infection.
Take this simple yet powerful step toward safeguarding your health and well-being, and schedule an appointment with a Thomas Seashore pharmacy near you.
