August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it a great time to review your vaccines.  Immunizations are not just for children–they play an important role in protecting adults from serious illness throughout every stage of life

Which vaccines do adults need?

Your vaccine needs depend on your age, medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors, but common adult vaccines include:

• Flu: Recommended every year for most adults
• COVID-19: Stay up-to-date with the current recommended vaccine guidelines
• Tdap/Td: Tdap once, followed by tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years
• Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended for adults beginning at age 50
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Recommended for all adults beginning at age 50, with earlier vaccination recommended for certain higher-risk adults
• RSV: Recommended for all adults 75 and older. Also recommended for adults ages 50-74 with increased risk factors
• HPV: Recommended through age 26 if not previously completed, with vaccination ages from 27–45 based on individual discussion with healthcare professional
• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for certain adults based on age, risk factors and previous vaccination

Why keep your vaccines up-to-date?

Vaccination can help prevent serious infections, hospitalization, and complications.  It also helps protect the people around you, including older adults, infants and those with  weakened immune systems.

Do not assume you are up-to-date just because you have been vaccinated in the past.  Some vaccines require boosters, and recommendations change as we learn more and new vaccines become available.

Take a few minutes to check your vaccine status.

National immunization aware month is a great reminder to talk with your primary care provider about which vaccines you need.

A quick vaccine review today can help protect your health for years to come.