Immunizations for Every Age: Why Vaccines Matter for Children and Adults
Vaccinations are often associated with childhood, back-to-school physicals, and the immunization schedules parents follow during the early years of a child’s life. But staying up to date on recommended vaccines is important throughout every stage of life.
Vaccines help protect children and adults from preventable illnesses and serious complications. As we get older, our health needs change, protection from some childhood vaccines may decrease, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of complications from infections. That is why keeping immunizations up to date should be part of preventive care for the entire family.
In a Healthy Families conversation, Emefre Udo, MD, with Omni Family Health, explains why vaccines matter for children and adults, which immunizations adults may need, when booster shots may be recommended, and what families can do if they have fallen behind on vaccinations. Watch the Healthy Families interview about immunizations for children and adults.
Why Are Vaccinations Important for Children?
For parents, keeping children up to date on recommended vaccinations is an important part of preventive health care.
Children regularly spend time in classrooms, child care settings, sports programs, and other environments where illnesses can spread. Vaccination can help protect children against certain preventable diseases and reduce their risk of serious complications.
Routine checkups give parents an opportunity to talk with a health care provider about their child’s immunization history and determine whether any vaccines are due. This can be especially important when preparing for a new school year or when a child has missed previous preventive care appointments.
If your child is due for a checkup, find an Omni Family Health provider who can help you review their preventive care and vaccination needs.
Do Adults Still Need Vaccines?
Do adults need vaccines if they were fully vaccinated as children?
Yes. Vaccination does not end when childhood does.
As people get older, their health needs and risk factors can change. Chronic medical conditions may increase the risk associated with certain illnesses, and protection provided by some earlier vaccinations can decrease over time.
Depending on a person’s age, medical history, previous vaccinations, and other risk factors, a health care provider may recommend additional vaccines or boosters.
Adult vaccination is another example of how preventive care stays connected to you throughout life. The vaccines you need at one stage of adulthood may not be the same ones you need later.
What Vaccines May Be Recommended for Adults?
There is no single vaccination schedule that applies equally to every adult. Recommendations can vary based on age, health history, previous immunizations, and other individual factors.
Adult immunizations discussed during the Healthy Families conversation include vaccines that protect against shingles, pneumonia, and hepatitis B. Booster vaccinations may also be appropriate for certain diseases.
Tetanus is one example of a vaccination that may require a booster during adulthood. Rather than trying to determine your vaccination needs on your own, talk with your health care provider about your immunization history and which vaccines may be appropriate for you.
Make immunizations part of the conversation during your next medical care visit at Omni Family Health.
Why Preventive Care Matters
It is easy to think about health care primarily when something hurts or when you feel sick. Preventive care takes a different approach.
Regular checkups give you and your provider an opportunity to look at your health before a problem develops. Depending on your age and individual health needs, that conversation can include vaccinations, screenings, blood pressure, chronic disease management, and other preventive services.
At Omni Family Health, the goal is to support individuals and families through every stage of life. That is part of being Connected by Care, with preventive services designed to help you stay connected to your health before illness interrupts everyday life.
Find an Omni Family Health location near you to learn more about available medical services.
What If My Family Is Behind on Vaccinations?
Falling behind does not mean it is too late to get caught up.
Health care providers can review vaccination records and use catch-up schedules to determine which vaccines may still be needed. This can be especially helpful for families who have missed routine appointments or are unsure whether their vaccination records are complete.
The important step is simply to start the conversation.
Schedule an appointment and bring any immunization records you have available. Your provider can review them and help determine an appropriate plan based on age, health history, previous vaccinations, and current recommendations.
Vaccination Can Be a Family Conversation
Immunizations do not have to be something parents think about only for their children. They can be part of the entire family’s preventive health routine.
When scheduling a child’s annual checkup, parents can also take the opportunity to think about their own preventive care and whether their vaccinations are current. Families can use routine health visits as reminders to stay on top of their health together.
This is where staying Connected by Care can make a difference. From children’s checkups to adult preventive care, having a trusted health care provider gives every member of the family a place to ask questions, review their health needs, and plan for what comes next.
Omni Family Health provides medical care for children and adults throughout Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno Counties. Explore Omni Family Health to learn more about available services and health centers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaccinations
Yes. Adults may need vaccines based on their age, health conditions, vaccination history, and other individual risk factors. A health care provider can review your history and help determine which vaccines may be appropriate.
Protection from some vaccines can decrease over time, and adults can develop new health risks as they age. Certain vaccines may also be recommended specifically during adulthood.
Adult vaccination needs vary. The Healthy Families interview discusses vaccines for shingles, pneumonia, and hepatitis B, along with booster vaccinations such as tetanus. Your health care provider can determine which vaccinations are appropriate based on your individual health history.
Some vaccinations may require boosters to maintain protection. Your health care provider can review your vaccination records and determine whether you are due for a booster.
Schedule an appointment with your child’s health care provider. Catch-up vaccination schedules can help providers determine which recommended vaccines your child may have missed and how to get back on track.
Vaccination is part of preventive care for both children and adults. Each family member’s needs will be different, but routine medical visits provide an opportunity to review vaccination history and discuss recommended immunizations with a provider.
Stay Connected to Preventive Care
Staying healthy is not only about treating illness. It is also about taking preventive steps that can help protect you and your family over time.
Whether you are preparing a child for school, wondering if you need an adult booster, or simply cannot remember when you last reviewed your vaccination record, your health care provider can help.
Find a provider, find a health center, or visit Omni Family Health to get started.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vaccines & Immunizations
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
CDC, Recommended Vaccines by Age
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/by-age/
CDC, Adult Immunization Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html
CDC, Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Vaccines.gov
https://www.vaccines.gov/