Hello, my name is Gregory. When I was a young lad, I had to enter the health care world in an unexpected way. I developed a serious disease out of the blue that took doctors by surprise. I went through so many different testing procedures before my doctors could diagnose the rare disease. Everyone around me reeled as they tried to understand the purpose and process of the diagnostic tests. I hope to help others understand these important tests better through this website. Please come by often to learn all you need to know about medical diagnostics and working closely with health care professionals.
Talking About Diagnostic Tests For Medical Care
The Why's, What's, And When's Of Immunizations For Adults
Nanja Bongers
Which immunizations do you need? Vaccines aren't just for children—adults need these potentially life-saving injections too. If you're not up to date on your vaccinations, take a look at the whys, whats, and whens of adult immunizations.
Why Do Adults Need Vaccinations?
Adults need vaccinations for the same reason children do—to prevent disease. While vaccines aren't perfect and won't completely eliminate the diseases they aim to prevent, these injections can reduce the risks of serious infection, hospitalization, or even death. These benefits make vaccines important for everyone at every age.
According to a research review published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, immune function changes dramatically starting in the 60s. Even though everyone needs vaccines to prevent disease, some older adults have an increased risk for serious illnesses. This makes it more important for senior adults to stay up to date on their vaccinations. While vaccines can't reverse or change age-related immune system decline, these injections can help seniors stay healthier and potentially avoid the serious effects of some preventable diseases.
What Immunizations Do Adults Need?
The answer to this question depends on your age. Younger adults in their 20s, 30s, or even early 40s who have not already had the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine should get this series of injections. The HPV vaccine can prevent this sexually transmitted disease (STD) and reduce the risks of some types of cancer in both women and men.
Older adults, over age 50, may need the shingles vaccine and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. All adults, younger and older, who haven't had the hepatitis B vaccine should also get these shots ASAP. The hepatitis B vaccine can protect adults from this serious illness and reduce the likelihood of liver damage, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.
Along with these vaccines, all adults need annual flu shots and may need Covid-19 vaccinations or boosters. While older adults have a higher risk level for serious flu or Covid-related symptoms, both of these viruses could cause severe illness in anyone of any age. These life-saving vaccines could keep you out of the hospital and alive—especially if you are immunocompromised, have diabetes, or have other chronic conditions that raise your health risks.
When Should You Get Vaccinated As An Adult?
Are you missing some vaccinations? If you're younger than age 45 and have never had an HPV vaccine, the sooner you get this immunization the better. Likewise, older adults shouldn't wait to get the shingles or pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. You can also get other vaccines, such as the hep B series, as soon as your medical provider recommends the immunization.
The flu and Covid vaccines may require you to think more about timing. Most adults can wait until the early fall to get their annual flu shot. But, if you skipped an autumn immunization, you can get this shot in the winter or early spring times. Talk to your medical provider about Covid-19 vaccination scheduling and your eligibility for a booster.
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