Some people might think of vaccines as something done in childhood, but vaccination offers an opportunity to boost your immune system when it needs it most. There are also certain vaccines that are recommended beginning in adulthood.
“As we age, our immune systems can start to weaken,” explains Varma. This means that your immune system has a harder time fighting off infections and increases the chance that you may get very sick from them.
It also means that the immunity you got from previous vaccinations can start to decrease. This is where booster shots play a role.
Our experts recommended that by age 50, you should consider getting the following:
- flu shot, annually
- COVID-19 vaccine or booster, as recommended
- shingles vaccine series
- pneumococcal vaccine
- tetanus or Tdap vaccine, every 10 years
- meningococcal vaccine, for certain populations, such as people living with HIV
You may also want to discuss the HBV vaccine with your doctor. While this vaccine is now regularly given during childhood, it wasn’t considered a routine vaccine until 1991, meaning most people turning 50 haven’t had theirs yet.
Our experts also emphasized that vaccination isn’t just about protecting your health; it’s also about protecting the health of those around you. Illnesses such as pertussis or the flu can be very serious for young children, like grandchildren, or older adults. Keeping yourself healthy and protected can help keep loved ones around you safe as well.
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