ADULT VACCINATION

Vaccination is an important part of staying healthy as an adult. It not only protects you from potentially life-threatening diseases but also helps protect the broader community. By staying up to date with your vaccines, you’re investing in your health and the health of those around you. Don’t wait—talk to your healthcare provider today about what vaccines are right for you.

Vaccination is not just for children—it’s also crucial for adults. While many people associate vaccines with childhood, vaccines continue to play an important role throughout adulthood.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Seasonal flu vaccines to protect against various strains of the influenza virus.

The influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu viruses mutate over time, so the vaccine is updated annually to provide protection against the most common strains for that flu season. The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. It is recommended annually, especially during the fall and winter months when flu season is at its peak.

Flu Vaccine, Adult Vaccination

Full range of available COVID-19 vaccines for initial doses and boosters.

COVID-19 vaccines are essential in protecting against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease COVID-19. These vaccines help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, as well as reduce the spread of the virus. A variety of vaccines are available, including mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer and Moderna), viral vector vaccines (like Johnson & Johnson), and others, each offering different benefits. Full vaccination may involve an initial series of shots, followed by periodic booster doses to maintain immunity, especially as new variants of the virus emerge. COVID-19 vaccines are critical in controlling the pandemic and returning to a sense of normalcy.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Protection against liver infections caused by the hepatitis viruses.

These vaccines protect against two types of hepatitis infections—Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B—that affect the liver. Hepatitis A is typically contracted through contaminated food or water, and vaccination helps prevent this liver infection. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids (e.g., blood, semen) and can lead to chronic liver disease. Both vaccines are important for individuals at high risk, such as healthcare workers, travelers, and people with certain health conditions. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are often given as separate doses or combined in a single vaccine (Hepatitis A/B).

Hepatitis Vaccine

Combination vaccine to protect against serious bacterial infections.

The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious bacterial infections: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus is caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds and can lead to severe muscle spasms. Diphtheria is a respiratory infection that can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, and even death. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that leads to severe coughing and is particularly dangerous for infants. The Tdap vaccine is typically given during childhood and is recommended as a booster for adults every 10 years to maintain immunity.

Protection against pneumonia and other infections caused by the pneumococcus bacteria.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacteria that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. Pneumococcal diseases are particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions. There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines: PCV13 (protecting against 13 strains) and PPSV23 (protecting against 23 strains). Both vaccines are important in preventing these potentially life-threatening infections.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Including vaccines for Meningitis, and others required for international travel.

Travel vaccinations are essential for people traveling internationally, especially to areas with higher risks of infectious diseases. The specific vaccines recommended depend on the traveler’s destination, the nature of their trip, and their health status. For example, meningitis vaccines are required for entry to certain countries, especially for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Travelers should consult with a healthcare provider well in advance of their trip to ensure they are up to date on required vaccines.

Recommended for adults to prevent shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles, a painful and debilitating skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later in life as shingles. Shingles causes a painful rash, often accompanied by burning or tingling sensations, and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia. The shingles vaccine helps reduce the risk of developing shingles and the severity of the condition if it does occur.

Shingles Vaccine

Vaccine to prevent HPV-related cancers.

The HPV vaccine helps prevent infections caused by the Human Papillomavirus, which can lead to various types of cancer, including cervical, anal, throat, and penile cancers. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and most people are infected at some point in their lives. Vaccination against HPV is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, typically recommended for children and young adults between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine can prevent many of the cancers associated with HPV, as well as genital warts caused by certain strains of the virus.