Most people think that immunizations are something that you only need to worry about for children. However, immunizations can be an important part of health care for older adults.

Adults who have never had or been immunized for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) , should be immunized. These diseases can be devastating for older adults.

Pneumococcal pneumonia immunization protects you against a bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended for all adults over the age of 65. If you have HIV or diabetes or if you have chronic liver, heart, lung, or renal disease, you should get it before age 65. You only need this once in your lifetime.

Regular influenza immunization is recommended for all persons over the age of 65. Patients with diabetes or chronic heart, lung, or renal disease should begin earlier. People with HIV should discuss the pros and cons of flu immunization with their primary healthcare providers. This immunization takes place yearly. Contrary to popular belief, getting immunized cannot give you the flu. It may cause some mild symptoms, and it will not prevent you from getting the flu if you have already been exposed and are developing the flu. Plan on getting flu shots around October.

Tetanus immunization is recommended every ten years for adults. This is especially important for older adults, since they have thinner skin and may be more vulnerable to tetanus exposure.

If you are traveling to an area that still has polio, you will need to be immunized even if you already were as a child. If you are traveling to an area that has hepatitis A, you should also be immunized for this. Any time you are leaving the country, ask your healthcare provider about any extra immunizations you should have.

Immunizations can sometimes have mild side effects like fever or soreness. However, it is generally well worth the discomfort to get the protection.

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