What Are Vaccines (For Adults)?
Immunity from your childhood vaccinations can wear off over time and you may be at risk for new and different diseases. In addition, recommended vaccines may have changed throughout the years and/ or they may have not been available to the public when you were a child. Some viruses, like the one that causes the flu, may change over time. Other factors like general health, travel frequency or job requirements may increase of the risk for disease.
Many adults become ill every year and even hospitalized from vaccine-preventable conditions. Adults should consider recommended vaccines so they can stay healthy which may help them miss less work and/ or spend more time with their families. Immunizations can benefit local communities in Harlingen, Texas and in all cities by helping prevent the spread of various diseases to people who may not be able to receive certain vaccines like newborn babies.
How do I know which vaccinations I’ve had and which ones I need?
To find out which vaccinations you’ve had, you’ll need to find your vaccination record. Your vaccination record is the history of all the vaccines you’ve had as a child and as an adult. To find your vaccination record:
- Ask your parents or caregivers if they have your vaccination record.
- Contact current or previous doctors and ask for your record.
- Contact your state health department — some states have registries (immunization information systems) that can provide information about your vaccination records.
If you can’t find your record, ask your doctor if you should get some vaccinations again. Learn more about vaccination records.
It is also very important to make sure your adult immunizations are up-to-date if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. View additional informationabout vaccines recommended before, during, and after pregnancy.
What Vaccines Do I Need?
Ages 19 – 26
Young adults need vaccines, too. Vaccines protect young adults from getting serious and even deadly diseases. They may be especially important if you’re living in close quarters with others — like college dorms — and sharing bedrooms, bathrooms, and food. This can make you more likely to come into contact with dangerous germs.
By getting vaccinated, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy
Ages 27 – 64
Did you know that it’s just as important for you to stay on top of your vaccinations now as it was when you were a child?
You need a flu shot every year — and you may need additional doses of some vaccines to help you stay protected from diseases. And as you age — or your lifestyle or health conditions change — you may need protection from different diseases.
Getting vaccinated can help keep you, your family, and your community healthy.
Ages 65 and older.
Vaccines are especially important for older adults. As you get older, your immune system weakens and it can be more difficult to fight off infections. You’re more likely to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles — and to have complications that can lead to long-term illness, hospitalization, and even death.
If you have an ongoing health condition — like diabetes or heart disease — getting vaccinated is especially important. Vaccines can protect you from serious diseases (and related complications) so you can stay healthy as you age.
Getting vaccinated can help keep you, your family, and your community healthy.
On this page, you’ll find answers to common questions about vaccines for adults age 65 and older.
Different Types Of Vaccines
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is part of the United States Health and Human Service Department. They have published recommended vaccines for various ages of life and health conditions. Take a look at the charts below to review their recommendations.
Recommended By Age
