When it comes to immunizations kids typically come to mind, but adults need some, too. So, today, the American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated list of immunizations recommended for all adults. Topping the list are the pneumonia vaccines for those age 65 and older.
"Those people are at an increased risk for infection in general, especially pneumonia, and those are the people who we really make extra effort to make sure that they're getting vaccinated properly," said Dr. Neal Chaisson, who treats pneumonia patients at Cleveland Clinic.
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Chaisson says the immune systems of people ages 65 and up are on the decline, so they may need a little extra protection against pneumonia. In fact, researchers say about a third of all pneumonia cases develops in elderly people.
The updated schedule also includes recommendations for adults 19 years old and older. There are updated guidelines on tetanus, HPV, measles, mumps, and rubella, along with hepatitis "A" and "B" vaccines, too.
There is also a footnote on flu shots. The guidelines have been updated to indicate adults aged 18 years or older can receive recombinant influenza vaccine, or RIV. RIV does not require an egg-grown vaccine virus and does not use chicken eggs at all in the production process.
"My recommendation and certainly the recommendation of doctors across the United States would be to continue to get your flu shot, especially if you work in a high-risk situation around children, around elderly, or in a health care setting," said Chaisson.
Chaisson says if you still have not gotten your flu shot this season it is not too late.