Part of your yearly checkup may be getting up-to-date on your immunizations. It’s easy to forget or intentionally avoid the dreaded needle poke, but a couple of simple shots can protect you from some pretty nasty illnesses.
Here are four recommended adult vaccinations:
1. Tetanus-Diphtheria. This one requires a booster every 10 years throughout adulthood.
2. Flu Shot. This vaccine is recommended every year starting at age 50. It’s also recommended for certain high-risk groups, including children aged 6 to 23 months, pregnant women in their second or third trimester, and anyone over the age of 2 with underlying chronic health problems.
3. Pneumonia Shot. Recommended for adults over 65.
4. Hepatitis B. Recommended for anyone at high risk of contracting the illness. Most health-care workers are required to have the vaccine; all others should consult their physician if they feel they are at risk. Also recommended for people traveling to high-risk countries.