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Importance of Adult Vaccination

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting against harmful diseases before they affect you. It helps body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections and strengthens your immune system.

Most people think vaccines are only for newborns and young children. However, immunisation is important at every stage of life. Adults and seniors all require certain vaccines to maintain strong immunity against potentially deadly illnesses. Some vaccines are administered annually, monthly, or once in a lifetime. Several vaccines are given at a specific time of the year.

Vaccines can help protect from:

  • Flu: Causes fever, chills, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Shingles: A painful nerve infection with rash, blisters, and itching.
  • Whooping cough Leads to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits.
  • Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia and other serious infections.
  • COVID-19: A respiratory illness with symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Most importantly, vaccines boost your overall immunity, helping your body fight off infections and reducing the risk of severe complications.

Why Adults Need Vaccinations:

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Vaccines for adults are recommended based on their age, medical condition, lifestyle, and prior vaccinations.

List of Vaccines Recommended for Adults

Disease Vaccine Schedule / Age Validity
Influenza Influvac Tetra 1 dose annually 1 year
Pneumonia Pneumovax 23 2 doses
1 dose at 65 years of age.
2nd dose after 5 years of 1st dose
5 years
PCV 23
Herpes / Shingles Zoster / Shingrix Two doses. Second dose 2–6 months after first dose (after 50 years of age) 10 years
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Tdap Once in 10 years 10 years
Typhoid Conjugated vaccine (Enteroshield or Tybar TCV) 1 dose. Once every 3 years 3 years
Cervical cancer HPV 3 doses at 0, 1 and 6 months apart (15–45 years females) Lifetime
Hepatitis A Hep A Strictly on doctor's advice
A 2-dose regimen (from 19–65 years and above)
Lifetime
Hepatitis B Hep B 3 doses (from 19–65 years and above) Lifetime
Chickenpox Varicella 2 doses for (19 years and older) 4–8 weeks apart Lifetime
MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 1 or 2 doses 4 weeks apart (19–59 years) Lifetime

Check with your doctor for the right vaccine appropriate for you. Get vaccinated at a reputable hospital.