Did you think that babies, preschoolers and children of other ages were the only ones who should have routine immunizations?  Did you think that once you were an adult those types of shots and vaccinations were over for you? If you did, you were wrong.  In fact, vaccines are very important to adults.   Did you know that 50,000 to 70,00 adults right here in the US die each year from diseases and illnesses that could have been prevented from a simple vaccine?   Scary, huh?

Here is a simple list of the vaccines that you should consider getting and the latest guidelines of each.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

This vaccine will protect against liver damage cause by the virus known as Hepatitis B.  The vaccine is given over a period of months.  How could you acquire Hepatitis B?  One way is through unprotected sex.   You may also get it through contact with an infected person’s blood. You should get this Hepatitis B vaccination if you are not in a monogamous relationship and definitely if you generally have sex with more than one person in six months.

Influenza Vaccine

Yes, this is the annual vaccine that we all hear about and known as the flu vaccine.  It helps protect us from the possible strains of the flu that is predicted to strike that year. This flu vaccine is given injectable form for people of all ages and a nasal spray for those over the age of 50. People over the age of 50 are encouraged to have the flu  vaccine, as well as women who are pregnant, adults with immune conditions, heart disease and other chronic health issues. Every year the flu virus will kill tens of thousands of people and this virus can also lead to other health complications.

Herpes Zoster Vaccine

This is a one time vaccine.  It protects people from acquiring shingles.  Shingles is a very painful condition that consists of a rash that can develop blister type lesions, accompanied by nerve pain.   Shingles usually happens to people over the age of 40. This virus is also a member of the herpes family like chickenpox is. People over the age of 60 should get this vaccine.  The reason why is because shingles is more likely to occur in this age group.

Pneumoccal Vaccine

This is given as a one time vaccine.  It protects one from strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Adults over the age of 65, should definitely get the pneumonia vaccine, especially if they have chronic health conditions.  Some health experts, also believe that if you are a smoker over the age of 50, you should also have this vaccine.  Note:  If you are over the age of 65 and had this vaccine over five years ago and have developed a chronic illness, you should speak to your doctor about getting a booster shot of this vaccine.

TDAP Vaccine

This is a three in one vaccine.  It covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. This vaccine should be given to all adults.

Remember sometimes it is the little preventive steps  that are so easy such as vaccinations that will keep us healthier longer.