Why adult vaccinations matter: flu, HPV and other essential shots

After the COVID pandemic, we’re all certainly far more familiar with vaccinations than ever before. Where we perhaps once thought of immunisations as childhood milestones, we now know that vaccinations are critical for adults too.

Why are adult vaccinations important?

In our increasingly globalised world, viruses are almost the new unchecked luggage! Diseases can spread rapidly, and new health concerns seem to be brewing constantly. Added to that, as we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more vulnerable to various infectious diseases. Adult vaccinations protect not just you, but your family and community as well.

Vaccines are created to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reducing illness, hospitalisation, and even death. For people with weaker immune systems and chronic conditions, many vaccine-preventable diseases can have severe consequences. This makes adult vaccinations an important building block in adult health and wellbeing.

Adults can be vaccinated against the flu, HPV (human papillomavirus), pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, and shingles.

A seasonal essential: the flu vaccine

We know that the flu is a swiftly-spread contagious respiratory infection that affects millions of people each year. “Flu season” is practically part of our calendars now. Some people have mild symptoms that pass quickly, whilst others are afflicted with severe effects that could lead to hospitalisation. For pregnant women and those with chronic conditions, the flu can hit particularly hard.

Enter the flu vaccine. As the flu virus evolves each year, annual shots are necessary. The vaccine is created to help reduce the intensity of flu symptoms, prevent serious complications, whilst decreasing the transmission of the virus. The best time to get a flu shot is before flu season begins.

HPV vaccine: protection against cancer

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), “HPV is a very common virus. The virus lives on the skin and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. HPV vaccination can be a cost-effective strategy in the lowering of cervical cancer risk among women in South Africa.”

While the vaccine is typically given to young girls of school-going age, you can ask your doctor about getting it as an adult. Getting vaccinated against HPV significantly reduces the risk of developing related cancers. Similar to a flu vaccine, the HPV vaccines trigger the body to create antibodies.  Antibodies bind or attach to the virus and prevent it from infecting cells.

Other essential vaccines for adults

Besides the flu and HPV vaccines, several other vaccinations can help keep you healthy and lower your risk for certain diseases.

• Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and infections in the bloodstream. People who are most vulnerable include adults over 65, smokers, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or lung disease. If this is you, consider receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Shingles is a painful rash that’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus also causes chickenpox. As we get older, our risk of developing shingles increases, so it is recommended that adults over 50 get the shingles vaccine.
• Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic disease and liver cancer. People who work in healthcare, have diabetes, or engage in high-risk behaviours (such as unprotected sex or intravenous drug use) should consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
• Many adults may not realise they need a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) every ten years. It’s advised that pregnant women also receive the Tdap vaccine to protect newborns from whooping cough.

Myths about vaccines

Myth: Vaccines can make you sick.

Fact: Some vaccines may cause mild side-effects like soreness or low-grade fever, but they do not cause the disease they protect against.

Myth: If I had a disease before, I don’t need the vaccine.

Fact: Immunity from past infections may not last forever. Vaccines offer more reliable protection.

Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients.

Fact: Vaccines must go through strict testing to ensure they are safe. The ingredients used are in small, non-toxic amounts necessary for effectiveness.

Good to know

Being proactive about vaccinations is an essential part of maintaining good health. Don’t miss your regular check-ups to help you stay informed about which vaccines you need based on your age, health conditions, and lifestyle.

Vaccinations are not just for children, even as adults, we can benefit from added protection from preventable diseases. Speak to a doctor about the flu shot, HPV vaccine, and other essential immunisations. By staying up to date on recommended vaccines, we can reduce our risk of disease, prevent complications, and build a stronger immunity. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.