Vaccines for adults

What it is

Vaccinations are also known as shots or immunizations. An adjuvant is an extra ingredient in some flu vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response.

Source: National Institute on Aging: Vaccinations and Older Adults ↗

How it's thought to help

Flu vaccines make the body develop antibodies about two weeks after the shot. These antibodies protect against flu illness.

Source: CDC: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) ↗

What people use it for

Travel vaccines are used depending on where a person is going, what they plan to do, and their medical history.

Source: National Institute on Aging: Vaccinations and Older Adults ↗

What the research has found so far

A 2021 study found flu vaccination was linked to a 26% lower risk of ICU admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu among adults. A review of available studies suggests higher-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are potentially more effective for people 65 and older.

Sources: CDC: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) ↗ · CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older | Influenza (Flu) ↗

On vaccines for adults and aging, PubMed lists 1,029 trials in people, 2,989 studies that watched people over time, 153 animal and lab studies. See the counts and searches

Side effects and risks

• Flu shots may cause soreness, redness or swelling where given, headache, fever, muscle aches, nausea, and tiredness.
• A flu shot can occasionally cause fainting.
• In adults, the nasal spray flu vaccine may cause a runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough.
• There may be a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare nerve disorder, after a flu vaccine.
• There is a very remote chance of a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

Source: CDC: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) ↗

Who should be careful

• People 65 and older should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for people with certain medical conditions.
• Whether a person can get a given flu vaccine depends on age, health, and allergies to the vaccine or its parts.

Sources: CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older | Influenza (Flu) ↗ · CDC: Talking About Influenza Vaccination | Influenza (Flu) ↗ · CDC: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | Influenza (Flu) ↗

Approval and legal status

Different flu vaccines are approved for different age groups. The high-dose flu vaccine is approved for adults 65 and older. The CDC recommends adults get a Tdap or Td booster shot every 10 years.

Sources: CDC: Talking About Influenza Vaccination | Influenza (Flu) ↗ · National Institute on Aging: Vaccinations and Older Adults ↗

Questions to ask your doctor

• Is vaccines for adults a good fit for me, given my health and the medicines I take?
• Is there anything I should avoid or watch for, given my health conditions?
• Where should I start, and how much is right for me?
• How would we tell whether it is helping, and when should we review it?