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Beyond Childhood: The Importance of Adult Immunizations

Every year, millions of adults face serious illness, hospitalization, and even death from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Flu-related hospitalizations can reach 710,000 annually. Other preventable illnesses, like pneumococcal disease, pose serious risks, especially for those with chronic conditions. The widely available flu and pneumococcal vaccines are proven to protect against these threats.

Adult vaccination rates remain alarmingly low, with three out of four adults missing one or more recommended vaccines. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Staying up to date is a lifelong commitment—for your safety and the safety of others.

DocGo is on a mission to ensure everyone has access to the vaccines they need. In August, for National Immunization Awareness Month, we spoke with Jenna Strong, a Clinical Manager on DocGo’s mobile health team, about the importance of adult immunizations.

Why Adult Immunizations Matter

As we age, our immune system weakens, leaving us more vulnerable to infections and illnesses that we might have shrugged off in our youth. Immunity from our childhood vaccine regimen wanes, too.

Take shingles, for example: a painful condition that can strike decades after a chickenpox infection. Many people don’t realize there is an effective shingles vaccine for adults.

The Must-Have Vaccines for Adults

So, which vaccines should be on your radar once you’ve outgrown the pediatrician? Here’s a rundown:

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: This is an annual must-have. The flu virus mutates every year, so last year’s shot won’t cover you this season.
• Shingles Vaccine: If you’re 50 or older, this one’s for you. Shingles can be excruciating, but the vaccine can help prevent it.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: This covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults should get a Tdap booster every 10 years to stay protected.
• Hepatitis A and B Vaccines: Particularly important for adults at higher risk, such as those with chronic liver disease or frequent travelers.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: While often associated with younger individuals, the HPV vaccine is recommended for adults up to age 26 and can be considered for some adults up to age 45.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: While the MMR vaccine is typically administered to children, adults who missed their childhood vaccine should consider immunizing themselves now. Measles cases are on the rise in the United States.

Tackling Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy is a significant public health challenge. Concerns about side effects, doubts about vaccine necessity, and distrust in the pharmaceutical industry all play a role.

The truth is, vaccines are safe and effective. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

“At DocGo, we bring education resources to patients and create open lines of communication,” says Strong. “That way, patients can speak transparently about their concerns – whether it’s vaccine safety, efficacy, or even needles. When we build trust, we help increase vaccine uptake.”

 DocGo’s Facilitation of Adult Immunizations

Staying on top of your health can be challenging, especially finding time to visit the doctor amid your busy schedule.

That’s where mobile healthcare providers like DocGo come in—bridging gaps in access to essential treatments like vaccinations. We offer services at home, at the office, or wherever it’s most convenient, aiming to protect as many people as possible from preventable illness.

“DocGo, through its subsidiaries and managed affiliates, is making it easier for people to stay up to date with their vaccinations,” Strong explains. “We want everyone to have the opportunity to protect themselves and stay healthy.”

Staying informed and proactive with vaccines is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to protect yourself and your community. Whether it’s the annual flu shot, the shingles vaccine, or boosters like the Tdap, keeping up with your vaccinations is a key to maintaining good health.

For more information on the importance of adult vaccines, check out the CDC’s adult vaccination guide and the World Health Organization’s vaccine resources.