When we were all in grade school, specific vaccines allowed for us to be a part of a larger group and ensure general safety when it came to being in close contact with others. Or in case of an emergency, we are able to fall back on prior vaccines that help us avoid contracting serious illness.
In accordance with the CDC, below are the following vaccines that every adult (ages 18 and over), should have under their belt:
- Influenza Activated (IIV), Recombinant (RIV4) or Live Attenuated (LAIV4)
- Each person should have this vaccine annually to protect against the series of strains of the flu.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
- This shot only needs to be administered once every ten years. Helps to protect against Tetanus, better known as lockjaw, which is a severe bacterial infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- A two-dose series given four weeks apart to help prevent side effects from measles, mumps and rubella.
- Varicella (VAR)
- A two-dose series of vaccines given within four weeks of each other to help prevent chickenpox.
- Zoster Recombinant (RZV)
- Meant for adults 50 years and older, this vaccination for shingles comes in two doses, between two and sixth months apart.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Although meant for those under the age of 26, adults ages 26-45 can still have this vaccine, which has a three-dose, six-month window period.
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) and Polysaccharide (PPSV23)
- Preventative action for adults ages 65 and older, it’s meant to protect against pneumonia and meningitis.
- Hepatitis A (HepA) and B (HepB)
- A two= or three-dose series intended for those that do not have either Hep A or B.
- Meningococcal B (MenB)
- This one- or two-dose vaccine can also be followed by a booster to prevent this disease leading to severe blood infections.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Typically given to young children, this vaccine can be administered via a one-dose regimen to protect against a potentially deadly brain infection
This list wouldn’t be complete without the now-famous COVID-19 vaccine and booster. With backing from CDC, FDA, WHO (the list goes on), it’s important to remain vigilant against this deadly disease. Sure, there are famous faces that are hesitant towards it (think Nicki Minaj, Anwar Hadid), but in order to get back to a semblance of normalcy, it’s important to protect ourselves and our loved ones.