Vaccination is not just for children. Every year, thousands of adults in the U.S. become unnecessarily ill from infectious diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Vaccines are our best protection against a number of serious diseases.

Getting a preventive vaccine also helps prevent the spread of diseases to those who are most vulnerable to serious complications such as infants, the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

Understanding the Risk for Adults

There are two main diseases that can affect adults. The first one is pneumococcal pneumonia: a cause of severe, life-threatening pneumonia in adults. The CDC recommends two groups of adults receive the vaccination for this disease:

• ALL adults 65 years or older
• Adults 19-64 years old who smoke cigarettes or have certain chronic medical conditions including but not limited to diabetes, heart, lung, liver and kidney disease

The other disease adults are at high risk of is shingles: a painful debilitating disease process caused by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. The CDC estimates almost 1 out of every 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime. According to the CDC, the groups of adults who benefit from shingles vaccination include:

• Healthy adults 50 years or older, even if you have had shingles in the past

Other Vaccines You Need

All adults should get the annual flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu and a Td vaccine every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Some additional vaccines you may need depending on your age, health conditions and other factors include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningococcal

If you are traveling overseas, there may be additional vaccines you will need depending on the location.

Make an Appointment with a Primary Care Physician

At Mount Sinai, our primary care physicians are able to prescribe and administer the necessary vaccines during your annual wellness or routine visits. Additionally, your Mount Sinai doctor will discuss preventative health care, yearly influenza vaccination and answer any specific questions regarding the risks, benefits and side effects of these vaccines in detail.

The bottom line: Have a conversation with your health care professional about which vaccines are right for you and your family. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of recommended vaccines. Remember, you have the power to protect yourself and the ones you love.

Dr. Andrew Harris is an internist and primary care physician at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Harris has a special interest in preventative care.