What Common Vaccines Do You Need?

By Dr. Peggy Lampkin

Editor’s note: This article does not relate to the COVID-19 virus.

Vaccines are especially important for older adults, but do you know which ones you need?

There are two tetanus shots-the Tdap shot (for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) and the Td shot (for tetanus and diptheria). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every adult have a Tdap shot once and a Td booster shot every 10 years.

Both Shingrix and Zostavax are vaccines used to prevent shingles in older adults, but the CDC currently recommends the Shingrix vaccine over Zostavax. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes swelling around the brain and spinal cord. Because the spleen helps to kill bacteria in the bloodstream, people with damaged spleens are more vulnerable to many infections including meningitis.

To protect yourself against pneumonia, the CDC recommends two vaccines given at separate visits. The first vaccine is called PCV13, the second is called PPSV23. Your doctor can tell you how much time should pass between getting the first and second vaccine.

The flu vaccine is only effective for that year’s flu season. The flu vaccine changes each year because the flu virus also changes slightly every year. Getting a flu shot early in the fall offers you the best protection.

You may not need a vaccine for measles and mumps if you were born before 1957. Nobody was vaccinated before 1957. If you were born before 1957 you may have had the disease and already have immunity. However, check with your doctor if you are unsure if you need the vaccine.

I would like to take the time to explain the difference between wellness visit and annual physical. At an annual wellness visit, your primary care provider will review your health status and spend time learning about your lifestyle, daily activities, nutrition and any stress you may have because all of these factors can impact your overall health and longevity. It’s important to have an annual wellness exam each year.

What does an annual physical cover? At an annual physical, your primary care physician will do a more thorough check of your physical health including checking your vital signs, examining you head, neck and lungs and reviewing all of your medications. I feel it is important for you to know the difference.