What are Adult Immunizations?
Adult immunizations are vaccinations recommended throughout adulthood to protect against serious infectious diseases. While childhood vaccinations receive significant attention, adult vaccination is equally important as immunity from some childhood vaccines wanes over time, new vaccines become available, and your risk for certain diseases changes as you age or develop chronic health conditions. Key adult vaccines include annual influenza (flu) shots, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) boosters every 10 years, shingles vaccine for adults over 50, pneumococcal vaccines to prevent pneumonia and meningitis, and depending on your circumstances, hepatitis A and B, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and meningococcal vaccines. Your primary care provider assesses your vaccination history, current health status, and lifestyle factors to create a personalized immunization schedule that keeps you protected.
Why is it Important?
Adult immunizations protect you from potentially serious, sometimes deadly diseases and prevent you from spreading infections to vulnerable individuals including infants, elderly relatives, and those with weakened immune systems. Many adults incorrectly believe that vaccines are only for children or that immunity from childhood vaccinations lasts forever—neither is true. Influenza kills tens of thousands of Americans annually, predominantly older adults and those with chronic conditions. Pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria is a leading cause of hospitalization and death among seniors. Shingles, which affects one in three adults and becomes more common and severe with age, causes excruciating pain that can persist for months or years even after the rash heals. Pertussis (whooping cough) immunity wanes over time, putting you at risk of infection and, critically, allowing you to transmit this dangerous disease to infants too young for full vaccination. COVID-19 continues to cause serious illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications, particularly in older adults and those with underlying conditions—staying current with recommended boosters maintains your protection as immunity wanes and new variants emerge. Beyond individual protection, widespread adult vaccination creates community immunity that protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to allergies, immune system problems, or age. Vaccines are among the safest, most cost-effective medical interventions available, preventing far more serious consequences than they could possibly cause.
What to Expect
At your annual physical or any healthcare visit, your provider will review your vaccination history and identify any needed vaccines based on current CDC recommendations for your age group. Most vaccines are administered as simple injections, typically in your upper arm, taking just a few minutes. You may receive multiple vaccines during a single visit if you're due for several. Common temporary side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, or muscle aches lasting a day or two—these actually indicate your immune system is responding appropriately. Serious side effects are extremely rare. After vaccination, you'll typically be asked to wait 15 minutes to ensure no immediate allergic reactions occur. For influenza vaccines, you'll need a new shot each fall as the vaccine is updated annually to match circulating flu strains. Pneumococcal vaccination typically involves two different vaccines (PCV and PPSV) given a year apart for adults over 65 or younger adults with certain health conditions. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is given as two doses 2-6 months apart and is highly effective at preventing shingles and its complications. COVID-19 vaccination schedules continue to evolve based on public health guidance—your provider will advise you about appropriate timing for initial series and boosters based on your age, health status, and previous vaccination dates.
How to Prepare
Bring any immunization records you have to your appointment, including vaccination cards you may have received for flu shots, COVID-19, or other vaccines. If you've relocated or changed healthcare providers, try to obtain records from previous doctors so your current provider has a complete picture. Inform your provider of any previous adverse reactions to vaccines, severe allergies (particularly to vaccine components like eggs or gelatin), current illness, pregnancy or plans to become pregnant, and conditions or medications that affect your immune system. Generally, minor illnesses like colds don't prevent vaccination, but if you have a moderate or severe illness with fever, your provider may recommend postponing vaccination until you've recovered. There's typically no need to avoid medications or alcohol, and you can eat normally before and after vaccination. After receiving vaccines, stay well-hydrated, and if you develop arm soreness, applying a cool, wet cloth to the injection site and gentle arm exercises can provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can address post-vaccination discomfort if needed. Plan your vaccination schedule thoughtfully—if you have important events or travel plans, consider timing vaccines a few days in advance in case you experience temporary side effects.
Have questions about adult immunizations? Contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care at (203) 334-2100 to schedule your appointment.
