What Shots Does an Adult Need?

Much of the discussion around vaccines focuses on children, who get a large number in their early years, but adults also benefit from appropriate vaccination.

            Which shots should you be discussing with your doctor?

            People of any age should get an annual flu shot. Influenza is a serious illness, not just a bad cold, and older adults may be hospitalized or die from influenza. The efficacy of the shot varies year to year, as the CDC must make an educated guess as to which strains will circulate, but even partial immunity is better than none.

            A bonus is that those who get their flu shot are less likely to suffer heart attacks.

            COVID – yes, that old virus is still around. It has mutated enough that the vaccine you got a year or two ago is no longer that protective. The only vaccine available is the newer one, and you should get it.

            Shingles is a very unpleasant illness that you do not catch from others; it is the virus that caused your chicken pox when you were a child and has remained dormant in your body ever since. As we age, our immune system weakens and the virus can flare up. It causes a very painful rash which can go on to a persisting nerve pain for months or years after the rash clears. The 2-shot series is highly protective and is given once if you are 50 or over.

            The shingles vaccine is associated with a decreased risk of dementia, an added inducement to get it.

            Pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes pneumonia in many and meningitis in some. There have been many different vaccines and the subject of which vaccine(s) to get deserves its own column – discuss it with your doctor. Bring the record of any you have received.

            RSV causes severe disease in infants. In adults it is usually just a cold, but if you have weak lungs or heart failure or are elderly, it can cause more severe illness. The new vaccine seems to be a one-time only shot that is worth considering.

            Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years and are usually combined with either diphtheria or diphtheria and whooping cough. If you have new grandchildren, getting the DPT will protect them as well if you will be close to them.

            A stitch in time saves nine, and the right shots can save you from serious illness.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

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