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Vaccines aren’t just for children. From flu and hepatitis to HPV and shingles, discover the essential vaccines every adult should know about to stay protected and healthy.
Immunity from childhood vaccines fades over time.
When we think of vaccines, most of us picture childhood shots, school health cards, or polio drops. But immunity isn’t something you achieve once and forget about. It’s a lifelong responsibility. Protection from childhood vaccines fades with time, while our immune systems naturally weaken as we age. At the same time, crowded cities, global travel, and new health threats make adults just as vulnerable.
Why Adult Vaccines Matter
“Completing childhood vaccination does not assure lifelong protection,” explains Dr. Manoj AG, Consultant Physician on Practo. “For example, immunity against tetanus and whooping cough reduces over time, which is why booster doses are needed in adulthood,” he notes. He adds that age, chronic diseases, and lifestyle factors like frequent travel or occupational exposure make vaccines essential well into adulthood.
Who Needs Them the Most?
Adults with diabetes, heart disease, lung or kidney conditions, and cancer are at particularly high risk of infections. “Our body’s natural defence system becomes weaker as we grow old, making us more vulnerable,” says Dr. Manoj. Infections like typhoid, hepatitis, and seasonal flu remain common in India, which is why vaccines for these are widely recommended.
The Essential List: Adult Vaccines to Know
- Tetanus and Whooping Cough Boosters (Tdap/Td): Adults should update these regularly. Pregnant women need a Tdap shot during each pregnancy.
- Flu Vaccine: Recommended annually for older adults, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
- Hepatitis A & B Vaccines: Protect against liver infections; especially important for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers.
- Typhoid Vaccine: Vital for travellers, food handlers, and those living in high-risk areas.
- HPV Vaccine: Recommended for young women and increasingly men, up to age 45.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: For adults who have never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated.
- Shingles Vaccine: Strongly advised for adults over 50.
- Pneumococcal Vaccines: Essential for seniors above 65 and younger adults with chronic conditions or weakened immunity.
- COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters: Should be kept up to date as per national guidelines.
Myths and Misconceptions
A common myth is that vaccines are only for children or foreign travel. “The truth is, many preventable diseases are still common in India itself,” says Dr. Manoj. Past infection is also no guarantee of lifelong immunity. Vaccines often provide stronger, longer-lasting protection.
Vaccines are one of the safest and most cost-effective ways to stay protected. Reviewing your vaccination history with a doctor, catching up on missed doses, and staying updated isn’t just about your own health. It’s about safeguarding your family and community, too.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
