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Posted on: 6 October 2021

If you're an adult, and you're reaching the retirement years, you might think that your days of needing immunizations have passed. However, that's not the case. There are still several shots you'll need to have. Here are five immunizations that you should have as an adult. If you're not current on any of the immunizations listed here, it's time to contact your doctor. 

Zoster

If you're over the age of fifty, and you haven't had your zoster immunization yet, now's the time to talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you had chickenpox when you were a child. Having chickenpox increases your risk of developing shingles later in life. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and is common in people who have had chickenpox at some point in their life. The zoster immunization protects you against shingles outbreaks. 

Tetanus

If it's been at least ten years since you had your last tetanus booster shot, don't postpone this immunization much longer. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can affect the nerves. It can cause the muscles in your neck and jaw to contract, making it difficult for you to swallow or breathe. Receiving a tetanus booster every ten years will protect you from this debilitating disease. 

Covid-19

If you haven't received your Covid-19 vaccination yet, now's the time to make an appointment. The Covid-19 vaccination is an important step in protecting yourself, and others, from this potentially deadly disease. In most cases, you can receive your Covid-19 vaccination free of charge from a doctor, walk-in clinic, or pharmacy. You need to receive your Covid-19 vaccination if you're over the age of 60, your immunocompromised, or you have other chronic medical conditions. 

Influenza

If you haven't scheduled an appointment to receive your annual influenza immunization, there's still time. The influenza vaccination is designed to protect you from the seasonal flu strains that come through each year. Because there are so many different strains of the flu, it's important to have an influenza immunization every year. That way, you're protected from the most prevalent flu strains for that particular year. 

Diphtheria

If you haven't had a booster shot for the diphtheria immunization, it's time to get caught up. This is especially important if you have young grandchildren, or you work with young children. The diphtheria immunization protects against the childhood disease commonly known as whooping cough. Infants don't receive their first diphtheria immunization until they're at least two months of age. Before that, they have no protection against the disease, which is why you need to keep current on your diphtheria boosters. 

For more information about immunizations, contact companies like Dino Peds.