Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are a priority for many people as we head into fall. But there are some other important vaccinations for adults to remember as well.
Doctors say a simple cut or scrape can put adults at risk for tetanus if they do not get a booster every ten years. The bacteria that cause tetanus are usually found in soil, dust, and manure. They also recommend a pneumonia vaccine for all adults 65 years old and up. Pneumonia can pose a serious risk for older adults and getting vaccinated can protect them from being hospitalized. Doctors add adults 50 years old and older should get vaccinated for shingles, which causes a painful rash. Even after the rash is gone, people may continue to have nerve pain in the same area.
"Patients that get shingles can have really, really severe, debilitating pain that can last a long time. Sometimes even after we treat the shingles with medication, they can continue to have pain in that area for weeks, months, sometimes even years," explained Dr. Kruti Yagnik, Cleveland Clinic.
Doctors add the shingles vaccine can help people fight off the infection and prevent them from getting it in the first place.
