Vaccinations are as important for adults as they are for children. Just because you’re grown doesn’t mean you’re immune from certain illnesses. Vaccinations are important in staying healthy. Unfortunately, many adults don’t know they need vaccines.

Certain vaccines may be more important based on your job or lifestyle. For example, vaccines are recommended for those who are in the military, gay and bi-sexual men, health care workers, people with certain health conditions, travelers, and pregnant women.

Path to improved health

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for adults:

• Flu: All adults should receive a seasonal flu shot once a year. It can reduce the risk of flu by up to 50%. How well it works depends on the type of flu that is spreading. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to protect against flu. The best time to get vaccinated is early fall. This is before flu season begins. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. While getting the vaccine earlier is better, getting it later is still effective. Getting the vaccine even in January or February can still provide some protection. New strains of flu, such as the coronavirus, or COVID-19, don’t always have a vaccine available when it first spreads. Developing vaccines for new types of flu can take 18 months or longer.
• Tdap: This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and These bacterial infections can be prevented with a vaccine. It’s typically given at age 11 or 12. If you did not receive it as a child, you need it as an adult. If you are a family member of someone expecting a new baby, it is important to get the Tdap before the baby is born.
• Td: This vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. These are bacterial infections. If you got the vaccination as a child, you need a booster dose every 10 years. If you haven’t had one for a while, get one if you’ve experienced a severe or dirty wound or burn. Everyone needs a Td booster dose every 10 years.
• Zoster: This vaccination protects against the shingles. The shingles virus causes a painful rash. It appears as blisters that develop on one side of the body. It often appears on the face or torso. It can result in long-term pain even after the rash goes away. Older people are most at risk for the virus. The CDC recommends adults 50 years and older get two doses of the vaccine. The doses should be 2 to 6 months apart.
• Pneumococcal Conjugate: This vaccine protects against pneumonia. Pneumonia is a serious bacterial infection. It spreads from close, person-to-person contact. The infection is common in adults. Beyond children, adults 65 and older are urged to get the vaccine. It also may be recommended by your doctor that you get this vaccine if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or COPD.
• HPV: This vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV). People who are sexually active are at risk of HPV. The vaccine is given to pre-teens. However, adults can benefit from getting it later in life. The vaccine requires three doses. If you only got one or two doses as a child, you need still need the final dose.
• Meningococcal: This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease. This bacterial infection affects the lining of the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream. It is spread through coughs, kissing, and living in close quarters. Your doctor will tell you if you should receive this vaccine.
• MMR: This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Adults born after 1957 who never got the vaccine should get it.
• Varicella: This vaccine protects against chickenpox. Adults who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine should get it.
• Hepatitis A: This is a highly contagious liver infection. It is spread through contact with feces (poop). Adults who are at risk for the infection should get the vaccine. Risk factors include living or traveling to areas of the world where the infection is common, exposure to childcare centers, and living with someone who has Hep A.
• Hepatitis B: This is an infection of the liver. It is spread through contact with blood and bodily fluids. Adults exposed to certain risk factors should get the vaccine. Risk factors include jobs that expose you to others with the infection, a diagnosis of diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or drug/sexual behavior that increases risk.
• Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterial infection. It infects the lining of the brain and causes meningitis. Adults with certain risk factors should get the vaccine. This includes people with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, removal of the spleen, bone marrow transplant, or cancer treatment.

Things to consider

Most private health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. Medicare and Medicaid will cover certain vaccines. This includes the flu, pneumococcal, and Hep B vaccines. Other portions of the plans may cover zoster, MMR, and Tdap vaccines.

If you are pregnant, check with your doctor before getting any vaccine.

If you can’t remember which vaccines you’ve had, ask your doctor about repeating the vaccine or the need for booster doses. Most vaccines have few side effects. The negative effects of the diseases itself is far worse than the vaccine. You may experience slight pain and redness near the vaccine injection site.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How do I find out which vaccines I’ve already had?
• Can a blood test determine if I had a vaccine or an antibody to certain illnesses?
• If I had chickenpox as a child, do I still need the vaccine?
• If I had shingles, do I still need the vaccine?
• Is it too late to get a vaccine after I’ve been exposed to a disease or infection?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccines.gov: Vaccines for Adults

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As the U.S. population ages, malnourishment is a growing concern. Good nutrition is very important for all older adults. It is especially important for older adults who are ill or have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or dementia.

Malnutrition is when your body doesn’t get enough nutrients from the foods you eat to work properly. Nutrients include fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These substances give your body energy and strengthen muscles. They help your body grow and repair tissues. They also regulate bodily functions such as breathing and the beating of your heart.

Malnutrition in older adults can lead to a number of health problems, including:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Tiredness and fatigue (feeling low energy)
• Muscle weakness or loss of strength. This could lead to falls, which could cause broken bones or fractures.
• Depression
• Problems with memory
• A weak immune system. This makes it hard for your body to fight off infections.
• Anemia

Why does malnutrition occur?

Malnutrition occurs when a person doesn’t have enough food or doesn’t eat enough healthy foods. A number of things may affect the amount and type of food that older adults eat. These include:

• Health problems. Older adults may have health problems that cause a loss of appetite or make it hard to eat. This could include conditions such as dementia and other chronic illnesses. They may be on restricted diets that make foods taste bland. They may also have dental problems that make it hard to chew or swallow foods.
• Lack of variety in diet. Fast food and processed foods don’t always have the full spectrum of nutrients that the body needs. Sometimes older adults tend to eat the same foods that they enjoy or are easy to prepare over and over, missing out on needed variety.
• Certain medicines can decrease appetite or affect the taste and smell of food.
• Low income. Older adults may be on a fixed income. They may be paying for expensive medicines to help manage health conditions. They may have trouble paying for groceries, especially the healthy foods they need.
• Older adults who have dementia or physical disabilities may not be able to shop for groceries or cook for themselves. They also may forget to eat and may need to be reminded.
• Social issues. Mealtimes can be social occasions. As we age, we may start to lose friends and family members. Older adults who usually eat alone may lose interest in cooking and eating.
• Alcoholism can decrease appetite and affect how the body absorbs nutrients from food.
• Depression in older adults can lead to loss of appetite.

Because of these health problems, malnourished adults tend to make more visits to their doctor, the hospital, and even the emergency room. They don’t recover from surgery or other procedures as quickly as adults who are well nourished.

Path to improved health

To improve your loved one’s nutrition, try some of the following:

• Encourage healthier food choices. The best foods are those that are full of nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Help your loved one limit his or her intake of solid fats, sugars, alcoholic beverages, and salt. Suggest ways to replace less healthy foods with healthier choices.
• Snacking on healthy foods is a good way to get extra nutrients and calories between meals. It may be especially helpful for older adults who quickly get full at mealtimes.
• Make food taste good again. If your loved one is on a restricted diet, herbs and spices can help restore flavor to bland foods. Just remember to avoid herb or spice blends that are heavy in salt.
• Consider adding supplements to your loved one’s diet. They may benefit from a supplement shake or other nutritional supplements. Talk to their doctor about these options.
• Encourage exercise. Even a little bit of exercise can help improve your loved one’s appetite and keep their bones and muscles strong.
• Plan social activities. Make mealtimes and exercise a social activity. Take your loved one on a walk around the block. Encourage them to meet a neighbor or friend for lunch. Many restaurants offer discounts for seniors. Your community may also have a senior center that serves lunch. This is a great time and place for socializing.
• Talk to your loved one’s hospital, retirement community or nursing home. The staff may not notice that your loved one is malnourished. Bring it to their attention and create a plan to improve nutrition.

Things to consider

Managing your health and nutrition as you age can seem like a difficult task. If you are helping your loved one, talk to their family doctor and ask for help when you need it. The doctor can talk to you about their risk for malnutrition, health conditions, and medicines.

You may need help making sure your loved one is eating right. Home health aides can help shop for groceries and prepare meals. Check with your local Council on Aging and other senior community resources and community programs, such as Meals on Wheels. They may be able to help you care for your loved one.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How can I tell the difference between aging and malnutrition?
• What inexpensive foods provide healthy nutrients?
• Is it normal for older persons to eat less as they age?
• What if an older loved one or neighbor isn’t eating well but hasn’t lost weight?

Resources

Meals on Wheels America

National Council on Aging: Malnutrion for Older Adults

The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging: Nutrition, Food & Health

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