Older adults should keep track of vaccination guidelines

Published 1:30 am Friday, May 12, 2017

Mayo Clinic News Network

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about getting certain vaccinations. Besides influenza you also may need vaccinations for pneumonia, shingles and more.

Vaccine recommendations are based on age, prior vaccinations, health, lifestyle, occupation and travel destinations. The list is updated every year.

Tell your health care provider if you:

Are planning to travel abroad

Have had your spleen removed

Work in an occupation where exposure to illnesses could occur

Are moderately or severely ill, or have a chronic illness

Have any severe allergies, including a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine

Have had a disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome

Have a weakened immune system or are being treated with an immunosuppressant

Have recently had another vaccine

Have recently had a transfusion or received other blood products

Have a personal or family history of seizures

Find this and other medical information on mayoclinic.org.

— Tribune Content Agency