6 key vaccines to ask about this year

Staying up to date on these shots is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.

Happy healthy senior woman with bandaid on arm after flu shot

Are you up to date on your shots? Little kids aren’t the only ones who need regular vaccines to stay healthy. As you age, you’re at a higher risk of getting sick from certain diseases. That includes the ones you’ve heard of, such as the flu and COVID-19, as well as some you may not be aware of. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Your doctor can help you stay on top of your vaccine schedule. Read on to learn why shots are important for adults of all ages, plus ask your doctor if you may need any of the following right now.

•   Flu
•   Updated COVID-19
•   RSV
•   Tdap or Td booster
•   Shingles or chickenpox
•   Pneumonia

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1. Flu vaccine

You know the symptoms. Feverish chills, sniffling, sneezing, a sore throat, and aches and pain that leave you flat on your back. Most people get over it within a week or two, but the influenza (flu) virus is highly contagious and can be deadly for certain groups of people. In fact, thousands of people die from influenza every year in the United States. That’s why adding the flu shot to the top of your vaccination list is a must.

When you get vaccinated, it means you’ll be less likely to get sick. And if you do catch the flu, you’re likely to have a mild case. It’s important to know that flu shots are not made with live flu virus, so they cannot cause the flu. However, a small number of people may feel tired or have body aches for a few days afterward, as their immune system builds a response to the vaccine.

Who needs it: Everyone who is 6-months-old and older. If you’re an older adult, your doctor may want you to have a high-dose vaccine.

When to get it: Because the vaccine takes a few weeks to become effective, get it as soon as it’s available in your area. The best time is usually September or October. But if you miss it in the fall, don’t worry. Just make sure you get it later in the season. Flu infections usually peak between December and February.

Recommended reading: 5 surprisingly simple ways to prevent the flu

2. Updated COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Then you’ll be less likely to get sick. And if you do get COVID, you’re likely to have a milder case. You may need an additional dose if your immune system is compromised. Or you may need two doses if you haven’t gotten vaccinated against COVID yet.

Who needs it: All adults, especially those with underlying conditions or who are immunocompromised. If you’ve never been vaccinated or haven’t had an updated dose, it’s especially important.

When to get it: Ideally, you should get your shot as soon as the updated vaccine is available, especially heading into cold and flu season. Ask your doctor for the best timing based on your health and previous doses.

3. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, usually causes mild cold symptoms. But it can be more severe in certain groups of adults. It may even land you in the hospital.

Who needs it: Adults 60 years and older and some younger adults with certain health conditions can get an RSV vaccine.

When to get it: Aim to get it before RSV season begins, which is typically in the fall. Your provider may recommend getting the vaccine between September and January.

4. Tdap or Td Booster

This vaccine protects against three potentially deadly diseases:

Tetanus, which causes painful muscle stiffness and can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Diphtheria, which may lead to heart failure or paralysis.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, which causes violent, uncontrollable coughing that can make breathing a struggle.

Diphtheria and pertussis are especially contagious and can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Whooping cough can be dangerous for newborns and infants under 12 months. Tetanus is transmitted through breaks in the skin.

Who needs it: Everyone, especially if you plan to spend time around babies.

When to get it: Most people were vaccinated for these illnesses in childhood. But the CDC recommends a booster every 10 years. If you’ve never had a Tdap shot, get one as soon as possible. Adults who will have close contact with newborns, including grandparents and caregivers, should ideally get the shot at least two weeks earlier, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And if you’ve recently had a severe cut or burn but can’t remember the last time you received either vaccination, check in with your doctor straight away.

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5. Shingles and chickenpox vaccines

If you’ve had chickenpox (varicella), the virus can become active again and cause shingles later in life. And if you’re 44 or older, odds are that you’ve had chicken pox. More than 99% of Americans born in or before 1980 have had chickenpox, according to the CDC.

Roughly 1 in 3 people may get shingles at some point. The most obvious symptom is a rash on one side of your body. It can be painful and itchy. But 10% to 18% of cases lead to nerve pain that lasts for months or, in rare cases, years. Along with pain, shingles can cause eye damage, vision loss, and other complications.

Who needs it: If you had chickenpox as a kid, you probably remember it as an itchy, miserable week of your life. If you didn’t have it, you’ll need a two-dose chickenpox vaccine now. Adults 50 years or older need two doses of Shingrix to guard against shingles. Had a different vaccine for shingles in the past? Talk to your doctor — you may need another shot.

When to get it: As soon as possible.

Did you know HMSA members have access to personalized support to help you manage your health and well-being? Learn more here.

6. Pneumonia vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against dangerous infections of the bloodstream and lungs, including pneumonia. Pneumococcal disease is common in kids, but it can be extremely dangerous for certain adults.

Who needs it: All adults age 50 and older, and some younger people with certain health conditions, should get a pneumonia vaccine.

When to get it: Current guidelines suggest getting one dose of one of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). These include:

PCV15 (Vaxneuvance)

PCV20 (Prevnar 20)

PCV21 (Capvaxive)

Depending on which PCV you receive, an additional dose may be recommended a year later. Talk to your doctor to determine what is right for you.

You may also need other vaccines that aren’t on this list. For instance, if you plan to travel outside the United States, you may need protection from typhoid fever (a deadly bacterial infection) or yellow fever (a disease spread by mosquitoes).

If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your primary care provider about which vaccines you’ve had and which additional ones might be right for you.

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