4 Shots for Adults (Yes, You Need Your Vaccinations, Too)

Forget the kids: A recent study by Walgreens shows that nearly half of U.S. adults are unaware of government-recommended vaccinations for their age and health condition. How about you? Do you even know what shots you should be getting? We asked Sharecare experts for the lowdown.

1. No-brainer: Get an annual flu shot. Not only does the vaccine help you avoid the flu, it reduces your risk of heart disease, according to Michael Roizen, MD.

2. The U.S. has seen an alarming rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, the worst outbreak in decades. The condition isn’t fatal in adults, says Mehmet Oz, MD, “but it can cause coughing for months and may result in broken ribs.” Doctors say the main reason for the outbreak is too few adults are getting their pertussis booster shots. The best way to stay protected is to get your every-10-year tetanus booster, which usually includes a pertussis and diphtheria booster, says Sharecare expert Kelly Traver, MD.

3. Get the shingles vaccine if you’re over 60.

4. Over 50? Ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine.

Do you see your doctor only when something’s wrong? Has a regular doctor visit ever saved your life? Let us know in the comments box below.

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