Huh? Adults need vaccines too? Yes, you do! Vaccinations play an integral role in preventative healthcare. The adult vaccination schedule begins at 19 years old, and will continue throughout a lifetime. It’s not hectic. In fact, there’s only one vaccine recommended as an annual dosage. We’ll give you a hint: it rhymes with the “blue” shot. We’ve put together each vaccine you need in your adult life, when you can (or should) receive it, and what it’s called.
This vaccination schedule is intended for average individuals with no health changes or chronic health issues. The CDC has a very clear breakdown of recommended vaccinations based on one’s age. The following vaccination schedule is intended for average individuals with no health changes or chronic health issues.
If you have chronic health issues, or are experiencing/have experience changes in your health, visit the CDC’s immunization site for a schedule tailored more towards your individual health challenges (including but not limited to diabetes, pregnancy, renal failure, liver failure, and immunocompromised individuals).
Influenza
Influenza is more commonly known as the flu shot. It should be taken annually, meaning at least once a year, regardless of your adult age.
Td/Tdap
The first shot you receive is the Tdap. Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. After you’ve received the Tdap, a Td booster shot is recommended once every 10 years. The term Td stands for tetanus and diphtheria. Essentially, the 10-year clock begins once you’ve received your Tdap vaccination.
Varicella
If you haven’t yet had the varicella vaccine, this is certainly one you want. The varicella virus is the virus that causes chicken pox, and progresses to shingles later on in life. If you’ve had chicken pox, you may want to consider requesting a tither from your doctor. A tither is a blood test done in a lab to determine if you are in fact still immune to the virus. The varicella vaccine is given in two installments, a minimum of 30 days apart.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster is targeted at preventing shingles. Shingles come from the varicella virus. Once you have chicken pox, the varicella virus never actually leaves your body. It lies dormant, and can return in later years as shingles. The Herpes Zoster vaccine is meant to keep shingles at bay. It is recommended for adults age 60 and up.
Pneumococcal
The term pneumococcal refers to any infection caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The pneumococcal vaccine aids your body in becoming immune to this particular strain of bacteria, which is responsible for some cases of pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The pneumococcal vaccine is broken down into two types of vaccine. Which one you need will depend largely on your age, existing health issues, and medical history. This vaccination is recommended for adults age 65 and up.
If you’d like information about immunizations for ages 18 and under check out this article: 4 of the Most Common Vaccines and Why We Receive Them.
If you haven’t yet received one or more of these vaccinations/boosters, visit Orchard Hospital at our Medical Specialty Center—Your Everyday Health Care Clinic. We have one in Gridley you can reach at (530) 846 – 9080 and one in Oroville you can reach at (530) 353 – 3332.
We can offer assistance in determining which vaccines you may need, and how to go about getting them. We will take care of you quickly and efficiently. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Open 7 days a week. It’s our goal to have fast and friendly care while delivering quality health care.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior healthcare. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
