Essential Vaccines Every Adult Needs This Winter

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in recent years, it’s that vaccines save lives. For many people before the pandemic, getting vaccinated felt like something that only needed to be done in childhood. After your booster shots, you may have assumed you were set for life, but that's not quite the reality. 

Vaccines are a lifelong necessity. They protect you from diseases that re-emerge as you age and help you avoid new viruses. With flu season around the corner, the risk of catching and spreading illnesses increases as the weather cools and we start spending more time indoors.

So, what vaccines should you be considering right now? And how do you know if you’re up-to-date? That’s where our team of internists at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, comes in. Here, we guide you through the vaccines you might need, from flu shots to updated COVID-19 boosters, making it easy to stay on top of your immunizations.

This blog details the essential vaccines every adult should consider this winter and why they matter.

Why vaccines matter for adults

Vaccines like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or polio are often tied to school schedules and childhood health check-ups. However, many childhood vaccines lose effectiveness over time, leaving adults vulnerable to diseases they thought were safe from.

In addition, health risks change as you age. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease can increase the likelihood of severe complications from preventable illnesses. Your immune system also gets weaker, making infections like pneumonia or shingles more dangerous for older adults. 

New vaccines, such as the annual flu vaccine updates or the latest COVID-19 boosters, are constantly being developed to keep you safe. Staying up-to-date protects not only you but also the people you care about. 

When you’re vaccinated, you’re less likely to pass illnesses to those who may be more vulnerable, like young children, elderly family members, or friends with weakened immune systems. 

Vaccines you need this winter

Here’s a closer look at the vaccines every adult should prioritize this winter:

The flu vaccine

Every year, thousands of people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu. Older adults, pregnant women, or those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are especially vulnerable. The flu vaccine is updated annually to target the strains most likely to circulate that year. 

Even if you’re healthy, getting vaccinated reduces the spread of the virus and protects people around you. The best time to get your flu shot is early winter, before peak flu season. 

COVID-19 booster

New variants of COVID-19 continue to pop up, and immunity from earlier vaccines can weaken over time. That’s why updated boosters are crucial to protect you against the most recent strains of the virus. If it’s been over a year since your last dose, now’s the time to get it.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Tetanus is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and manure. You probably got a tetanus shot as a child, but a booster is needed every 10 years.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, can be particularly dangerous for infants, so staying vaccinated helps protect the kids around you. If you’re unsure you’re due for a booster, our team can help check your records and keep you on track.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, all of which can be serious or even fatal, especially for older adults or people with chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma. 

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines, and the one you need depends on your age and health history. If you’re over 65 or have a health condition that puts you at higher risk, this vaccine is a must.

Shingles vaccine

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’re at risk for shingles. Shingles can lead to long-term complications, including nerve damage. Fortunately, the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, effectively prevents outbreaks. This vaccine is recommended for anyone over 50, even if you’ve already had shingles. 

Travel vaccines

If you’re planning a trip abroad, diseases like typhoid, yellow fever, or hepatitis A might be a concern, depending on your destination. Consult our team about any vaccines recommended for your travel destination.

Staying up-to-date on your vaccines is one of the easiest, most effective ways to protect your health. At Integrative Primary Care, we make the process simple, stress-free, and efficient. Schedule your vaccine appointment with us today.