Vaccines for adults: What you need to know

Zee Media Bureau

Vaccines are not just for kids, grown-ups too need them to keep themselves healthy and safe from various infectious diseases.

 

In this fast-paced life, it's easy to lose track of which vaccinations you've had or which you need, but it would be a great relief to get them now than wait until you stumble on to some infections.

As we age, our immunity also goes down. To maintain proper immunity, many vaccines received during childhood need to be repeated apart from a new set of immunizations.

Here are some essential vaccines that adults need to take:

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap) – once in 10 years.

Typhoid - once in 3 years either orally or through an injection.

Pneumococcal - given to adults 65 and older and adults with certain medical conditions. A one-time booster is given five years later.

Influenza (flu) - yearly vaccination given to adults 50 and older. This is also recommended for younger adults who want to decrease their risk for infection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - three-dose series given to females age 12-26 who haven't already received the vaccination.

Hepatitis A - two-dose series administered to adults with chronic liver disease, people who are exposed to blood, blood contaminated body fluid or IV drug users and healthcare workers.

Hepatitis B - three-dose series given to adults with chronic liver disease, people working in high-risk environments like STD clinics or drug rehab centers, and sexually active adults who are not in a monogamous relationship.