Adult vaccination: the boosters people forget
Immunity is not only a childhood matter
Dr. Yanis Kaddour
Infectious disease specialist
In simple terms
Tetanus, flu, pneumococcus, shingles: who needs what and when.
Why adults need boosters
Protection from some childhood vaccines fades over decades, and new vaccines target diseases that mainly affect older adults. Keeping a personal vaccination record avoids both gaps and unnecessary repeats.
The usual adult schedule
- Tetanus, diphtheria, polio: boosters at fixed ages through adulthood
- Influenza: yearly for older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic heart, lung, kidney or immune condition
- Pneumococcus: for older adults and people with chronic disease or absent spleen
- Shingles: recommended from around age 65, and earlier if immunosuppressed
- Whooping cough: during each pregnancy, and for adults in close contact with newborns
Travel and situation-based vaccines
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever and rabies depend on destination and activity. Plan a travel consultation at least six weeks before departure.
Common concerns
A sore arm and a day of tiredness are the normal immune response, not an illness. Serious allergic reactions are rare and are why you are asked to wait a short while after the injection.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
- Vaccine
- A safe training session for your immune system, so it can fight a germ later.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Adult vaccination: the boosters people forget?
- Tetanus, flu, pneumococcus, shingles: who needs what and when.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Adult vaccination: the boosters people forget?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Adult vaccination: the boosters people forget?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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