Opinion: Essential Vaccines Every Adult Must Know About To Stay Healthy And Strong

Vaccines do not necessarily offer complete immunity to a person; rather, they help prevent infections and reduce the severity of complications.

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Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya

As a child, most of us received a number of vaccines in order to prevent serious diseases. But did you know that vaccines aren’t just for kids? For adults, they play a significant role in enhancing general health and overall well-being, building a protective shield and acting as boosters for our immune system. 

Why Vaccines Matter For Adults

The protective antibodies we acquire during childhood — be it through vaccination or natural infections — start fading away with time. This makes adults susceptible to infections that they were previously protected against. Vaccines do not necessarily offer complete immunity to a person; rather, they help prevent infections and reduce the severity of complications. In other words, vaccines are a tool to be slightly ahead in the battle against diseases.

Post-Covid-19, the importance of vaccination has become even more evident. The pandemic brought to light how diseases can disrupt our lives, and people became more conscious of the importance of preventive measures like vaccines. In fact, many adults have started to seek vaccination, not just for themselves but also for the safety of their loved ones.

Key Vaccines Every Adult Should Consider

Vaccines are almost like having customised shields for every disease. 

1. The influenza vaccine, taken annually, is recommended for everyone regardless of age. Commonly known as the flu, influenza can potentially lead to life-threatening complications. By getting your yearly shot, you’re arming yourself against the ever-evolving flu virus.
2. The pneumococcal vaccine is a must for those over 65 or people with conditions like diabetes or heart disease. It’s like a double-layered shield, with two types of vaccination that work in tandem to fend off pneumonia and its serious allies.
3. For those who did not get it as kids, the hepatitis B vaccine is essential. Hepatitis B causes liver infections and can lead to chronic conditions that disrupt your entire life. The vaccine should be a staple, especially for healthcare professionals and anyone whose work involves routine exposure to bloodborne infections.
4. The next one is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine has brought about a revolution in cancer prevention techniques. It was created to combat cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV vaccines are prescribed for both men and women between 12 and 45 years of age to prevent cancers linked to HPV.
5. For anyone who is turning 60, it is time for the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful, debilitative condition caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which can last for months. As adults above the age of 60 are majorly at the risk of suffering from this disease, two injections — six months apart — can keep them from shingles and its complications.
6. The typhoid vaccine is mandatory for travellers entering typhoid-prone destinations. Administered every two years, the typhoid vaccines currently available have proven to provide long-term protection.
7. Lastly, if you have never been exposed to chickenpox as a kid, the varicella vaccine has your back. It is important and recommended especially for teachers or those in high-risk-exposure jobs, to prevent getting affected by the varicella virus. 

Special Considerations For Certain Groups

Frequent travellers, healthcare professionals and individuals with active lifestyles often require additional vaccinations. For example, international travellers should consider taking annual flu shots as influenza spreads rapidly across continents. Similarly, healthcare workers who are often exposed to various forms of bloodborne diseases should never skip their hepatitis B vaccination. Vaccines for such people do not only offer protection but also provide them with peace of mind as they navigate high-risk environments.

The pandemic has heightened awareness among the people about vaccination. Covid-19 reminded us that we are not invincible, and taking appropriate timely preventive measures can be extremely helpful. The heightened awareness about vaccination benefits has also encouraged individuals to ask their doctors about other preventive options available. They’re no longer perceived as something just medically necessary, but have become empowering agents for protecting one’s health.

Vaccines, however, are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like age, lifestyle, medical history, and exposure risks influence what’s right for you. Therefore, always consult a healthcare professional to create a personalised vaccination plan. Taking proactive steps to stay vaccinated is a simple yet powerful way to protect your health. Whether it’s an annual flu shot or a shingles vaccine at 60, these preventive measures can make all the difference and help one live a healthy and active life. 

The writer is lead consultant & HOD, internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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