Show Me Health - Adult Vaccinations

What Vaccines are Right for Me?

Most of us think getting vaccinations is only for young children.  Not so, even as adults, it is just as important to get vaccinated.  You may ask, “What vaccines are right for me?”  Here is a little question and answer that may help you decide.

I just graduated high school and am now ready for college.  Do I need any vaccinations? 

Along with your childhood vaccinations, you will need at least one Meningitis vaccination after age 16.  If you are attending school for a degree in a health care field, you will also need a Hepatitis B series and varicella vaccine if you did not receive them as a child.

We are expecting a new baby and I heard there is a vaccine that my family should receive…

All pregnant women in the 3^rd Trimester should receive the Tdap vaccine to help give the baby some passive immunity towards whooping cough.  All caregivers of the baby should also receive a Tdap at least 2 weeks before the baby is born.  One Tdap is sufficient, if you have had the vaccine in the past with other children.  Also, during flu season, a flu shot is recommended for all pregnant women and all household members.

I stepped on a rusty nail and had my last tetanus shot 7 years ago.  Do I need another?

Yes, if it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot you do need another.  If you have never had the Tdap vaccine, you will receive that vaccine as it has both the tetanus and pertussis vaccine.  If you have had a Tdap 7 years ago you will receive a Td.

I just was in a severe accident and had to have my spleen removed.  What vaccines do I need?

You will need the HIB vaccine only once.  A Prevnar13 is recommended, followed by Pneumonia 23 at least 8 weeks later.  There are 2 different Meningitis vaccines that are recommended, one is for meningitis B and is a new vaccine.  You will need a Flu shot every year.

I am a smoker and have chronic lung and heart problems.  Should I get a pneumonia shot? What about the Prevnar 13?

Yes.  You will need the Pneumonia 23.  You will also need a yearly flu shot.  At this time, the Prevnar 13 is not recommended for anyone with chronic health problems under the age of 65.  If you have a immune deficiency, then the Prevnar 13 is recommended.

I am 55 years old and have had shingles.  Can I get a shingles shot?

At this time the shingles vaccine is only recommended for those over the age of 60.  You do need a yearly flu shot.

We are planning a trip to Africa this summer.  What vaccines will I need?

Vaccines for international travel vary depending on where you will go and stay and what you will be doing on your trip.  My best answer is to look at cdc.gov/travel for specific vaccinations. 

I am turning 65 years of age.  My doctor told me that I will need some vaccinations.  What will I need?

You will need a Prevnar 13 and then one year later receives the Pneumonia 23.  If you did not get a shingles vaccine, it is recommended that you receive the shingles vaccine.   You will need a flu vaccine every year.

Okay, I am 66 years of age and my Doctor gave me the Pneumonia 23 today.  When can I get the Prevnar 13?

You will have to wait 1 year before you can get the Prevnar 13. 

If you have any other specific questions about vaccines and vaccination schedules, please discuss those questions with your doctor, or call us at the Livingston County Health Center at 646-5506.  You can also access vaccination information on the cdc.gov website for the most current vaccination information.