It is important to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases. Vaccines help train your immune system to fight pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, by stimulating the production of antibodies that provide protection from future infections. Listed below are the routine vaccinations recommended for adults. Please consult your doctor if you have specific questions about your immunization status or would like to schedule vaccinations.
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COVID-19
For the 2024-25 season, the CDC recommends that adults receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose each year. For those 65 and older, the CDC recommends a second dose of the vaccine 6 months after the first, to boost protection during the year. For pregnant or immunocompromised individuals, the vaccine schedule may differ; please ask your physician. The COVID-19 virus can cause a range of mild to severe symptoms, such as fevers or chills, coughing, congestion or runny nose, and shortness of breath. COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, but thanks to vaccines and treatments, most people can go about their lives more safely. However, the virus continues to change, and protection from past infections or older vaccines fades over time. That’s why staying up to date with vaccination is still important, especially for adults. Vaccine recommendations are constantly changing. Please consult your doctor on the best vaccination plan for you.
Flu
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year with rare exceptions. Ideal timing to receive the flu vaccine is during September or October or “before Halloween.” Flu viruses are constantly changing. The makeup of flu vaccines is reviewed annually by the CDC and the FDA and is updated as needed to best match the flu strains predicted to be most common during the upcoming flu season. How well flu vaccines work can depend on the match between the predicted vaccine viruses and circulating viruses. Flu vaccines prevent millions of flu-related doctors’ visits every year and significantly reduce your likelihood of being hospitalized due to flu illness or related complications. BMA generally carries Flublok for active immunization against disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and influenza B viruses. Flublok is approved for use in persons 18 years of age and older, so there is no need for a different formulation (i.e. the “high dose” flu shot) for those over the age of 65. Flublok is also egg free, latex free, and preservative free.
MMR
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is recommended for adults born in or after 1957 who do not have documented evidence of immunity, which includes either written records of prior vaccination or a positive blood test (antibody titer) confirming immunity. Most adults in this group should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, but certain individuals—such as healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers—should receive two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed to be immune to measles and mumps due to likely exposure during childhood. However, those working in healthcare or in outbreak-prone environments may still be advised to confirm their immunity or get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is not safe to receive during pregnancy and should be administered at least one month prior to conception if needed. Adults who have previously received two doses of MMR or have a positive antibody test do not need additional vaccination or testing.
Pneumococcal
For people living in the United States, there are various pneumococcal vaccines that help prevent pneumococcal disease (pneumonia) in adults. The CDC recommends that all adults age 50 and older and adults age 19 and older with certain risk conditions get the pneumococcal vaccine. Currently BMA carries Capvaxive (PCV21). Please consult your doctor about the best vaccine for you.
RSV
The CDC currently recommends a single RSV vaccine for adults age 75 and older and at-risk adults ages 60 to 74. A recent CDC panel voted to recommend that at-risk adults ages 50 to 59 also receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. The ideal time to get the RSV vaccine is late fall so that the vaccine can protect during the winter months, the common season for RSV. People who have already received one dose of RSV vaccine since its approval in 2023 are considered fully vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus and should not receive any additional doses. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and wheezing. Although RSV can cause illness in people of all ages, infection may be especially serious for infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Shingrix
Shingrix vaccine is the best way to protect against a shingles outbreak, which consists of a painful, itchy rash on one side of the face or body that can be associated with long-term nerve pain. According to the CDC, almost a third of people in the United States will have shingles in their lifetime, and the risk of developing the disease increases with age. To protect against shingles, adults 50 years and older should receive 2 doses of Shingrix separated by 2 to 6 months. Additionally, people over the age of 19 who are immunocompromised may qualify for 2 doses of Shingrix.
Tdap
Tdap vaccine can help prevent three bacterial infections: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Tdap can be given to anyone age 7 and older. Adults should receive a booster every ten years, possibly sooner if they have a deep or dirty wound or are pregnant. Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. Reported cases of pertussis in the United States have been increasing in the past few years, with infants at the greatest risk for serious disease and death. Staying up to date on Tdap boosters is a good way to protect you and your family against pertussis.
Travel Vaccines
Please consult your provider if you are traveling somewhere that may require additional vaccinations so they can help you stay safe and healthy while abroad.
