Healthy Families | Immunizations for Children and Adults
Do adults still need vaccines if they received all of their vaccinations as children?
Vaccination is an important part of preventive health care at every stage of life. While childhood immunizations help protect children from preventable diseases, adults may also need vaccines and boosters as they age.
Emefre Udo, MD, with Omni Family Health, explains why keeping up with recommended vaccinations matters for children and adults and why immunizations should be considered part of a family’s ongoing preventive care.
Children regularly spend time in classrooms, child care settings, sports programs, and other environments where illnesses can spread. Keeping children up to date on recommended vaccinations can help protect them from preventable diseases and reduce their risk of serious complications. Routine medical visits are also an opportunity for parents to review their child’s immunization record with a health care provider and determine whether any vaccines are due.
Vaccination remains important in adulthood because health needs change over time. As Dr. Udo explains, adults can develop chronic medical conditions that may increase their risk of certain illnesses or complications. Protection from some vaccinations received earlier in life can also decrease over time, which is why booster doses or additional vaccines may be recommended.
Adult immunizations discussed in the Healthy Families conversation include vaccines for shingles, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. Booster vaccinations may also be recommended for certain diseases, including tetanus. Which vaccines are appropriate depends on factors such as age, medical history, previous vaccinations, and individual risk.
Preventive care gives patients an opportunity to have these conversations before illness occurs. Rather than waiting until you are sick, routine medical visits can help you and your provider review vaccinations and other factors that contribute to long-term wellness.
Families who have fallen behind on vaccinations should also know that it is not too late to get back on track. Dr. Udo explains that health care providers can use catch-up schedules to help families determine which immunizations may still be needed.
At Omni Family Health, staying Connected by Care means supporting health throughout every stage of life. From children’s checkups to adult preventive care, our providers can help families understand their vaccination needs and make informed decisions about their health.
Keeping up with vaccinations can be one more way to protect the moments, routines, and people that matter most.
Learn more about immunizations for children and adults in our full health guide