Why Grown-Ups Need Vaccinations, Too

Vaccines aren’t just for babies and school-age kids. Adult immunizations offer key protections against seasonal illnesses like flu, RSV or COVID-19, and they potentially reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization or flu-related complications.

“We are headed into prime flu season and getting your flu vaccination now can protect you against this year’s prominent flu strains,” said Akindele Adaramola, MD, vice president and chief medical officer for Springfield Memorial Hospital. “It also protects those with compromised immune systems who can’t receive the flu vaccination.”

For adults dealing with chronic health conditions – diabetes, heart disease or respiratory conditions – vaccinations can provide a buffer between manageable exposure to illness and severe complications.

It’s not just seasonal illnesses that can be addressed by vaccinations. Older adults who schedule the shingles series of vaccinations can avoid a highly painful and often debilitating condition that can last two to four weeks. Shingles is marked by heightened skin sensitivity that can include tingling and excessive itching, followed by a painful rash.

Dr. Adaramola encourages adults to discuss the following vaccinations with their primary care provider:

• Annual flu vaccine
• Td/Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• Shingles vaccine (for adults 50+)
• Pneumococcal vaccines (for adults 65+ or those with certain health conditions)
• COVID-19 vaccine and boosters as recommended

There is never a wrong time to catch up on vaccinations. Ask your physician to determine which vaccines are best based on your age and health status.

Looking for a doctor? Visit Memorial Care for a list of physicians accepting new patients.