Adult Vaccinations

[nico08]

I am a 40 year old male. I grew up in the USA and I believe that I received all of the standard vaccinations available at the time that I was an infant or child.

Aside from an annual flu shot, I have not received any other vaccinations as an adult. I have not received a tetanus vaccination since I was a teenager.

Can you let me know what vaccinations are recommended for someone my age. I travel, but I have not ventured into exotic lands. I do not work in a healthcare setting. I don't have any diagnosed chronic illnessses. I do not believe that I have had chicken pox before.

Thank you for your advice.

 

[Sue J]

When my husband mentioned to his doctor that he recently retired and that he was working around the house and enjoying his garden, the doctor recommended a tetanus shot. He probably had his last one as a kid so this sounded like a good idea.

 

[kyounge1956]

I am a 40 year old male. I grew up in the USA and I believe that I received all of the standard vaccinations available at the time that I was an infant or child.

Aside from an annual flu shot, I have not received any other vaccinations as an adult. I have not received a tetanus vaccination since I was a teenager.

Can you let me know what vaccinations are recommended for someone my age. I travel, but I have not ventured into exotic lands. I do not work in a healthcare setting. I don't have any diagnosed chronic illnessses. I do not believe that I have had chicken pox before.

Thank you for your advice.

My advice is to ask your doctor, and specifically to ask about chicken pox if you are not vaccinated and have never had it. I had chicken pox as a pre-schooler and it was no big deal. A co-worker of mine got it at age 30 or so, and was sick as a dog for two weeks. Catching it at age 40+ could be pretty serious.

 

[Brat]

Ask your parents or older siblings if they remember your having chicken pox. You could have had a light case and not remember.

The MDs on the forum are the best source, however, I would ask my physician about the chicken pox vaccine. If you get it at your age you could get VERY sick.

Tetanus is an absolute must.

Write down the dates of all your vaccinations on a card and carry it in your wallet. Also keep this list at home for future reference. Those international vaccine booklets are handy even today.

 

[mickeyd]

Tetanus is an absolute must.

Agreed, and get it redone every 10 years. Shingles vaccination and Pneumonia at age 65 or so are advised as a once in a lifetime hit.

 

[Meadbh]

Let me google that for you...

Vaccines: Recs/Schedules/Adult Schedule main page