Vaccines aren't Just for Kids: 6 Important Vaccines That Every Adult Should Have

Many people think of immunizations as something only children need, but staying up to date on your shots is a lifelong necessity. At Ahmadur Rahman, MD, led by board-certified internist Dr. Ahmadur Rahman, we help patients protect their long-term health through comprehensive Primary Care Visits and Travel Vaccines/Immunizations. Whether you visit our offices in New York, NY, or Jamaica, NY, we're here to guide you through the essential steps of preventive care. 

During your next Annual Physical, we can review your immunization history. Here are 6 important vaccines that every adult should have to stay healthy and active. 

Why do adults need vaccines?

Adults need vaccines because childhood immunity can fade over time, and we become more vulnerable to certain serious infections as we age. Getting vaccinated is one of the easiest ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term health complications. 

Here are the 6 key immunizations you should consider:

• Annual Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

We recommend getting your flu shot every autumn. For adults aged 65 and older, we prioritize high-dose or adjuvanted (immune-boosting) formulas to overcome age-related immune decline.

• Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

Viruses constantly mutate, which is why annual updates are necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2025), the updated 2024–2025 formula provides 45% to 46% effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations for older adults.

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe heart strain in older adults. A 2025 study published in PubMed Central (PMC, 2025) found that RSV vaccination is associated with a 63.1% reduction in RSV-related major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The CDC recommends a single lifetime dose for all adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 60–74 with chronic heart or lung conditions.

• Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the dormant chickenpox virus. The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults aged 50 and older. Long-term data published by GSK (2022) show that Shingrix maintains an outstanding 89.0% efficacy against shingles over a 10-year period.

• Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. To simplify prevention, health guidelines now recommend a universal catch-up vaccine series for all adults aged 19–59, regardless of individual risk factors.

• Pneumococcal Vaccine

This vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause severe lung and bloodstream infections. It is highly recommended for older adults and those with chronic health conditions, and it can be safely co-administered with your other routine shots.

What are common myths about adult immunizations?

Many common concerns about adult vaccines, such as "antigen overload" or getting sick from the shot, stem from misunderstandings of how the immune system works. Some patients worry that receiving multiple vaccines at once will overwhelm their immune system. 

However, modern vaccines are highly purified. They contain far fewer antigens—the specific proteins that trigger your body's defense system—than older formulas. Your immune system easily handles thousands of environmental antigens every single day.

Another common myth is that vaccines can give you the illness they are meant to prevent. Non-live vaccines contain no live pathogens and cannot cause infection. If you feel tired or sore after a shot, it's just "reactogenicity"—a normal, healthy sign that your body is successfully building its defenses.

Ready to catch up on your essential immunizations? Whether you're due for a routine booster or scheduling your Annual Physical, we're here to help. Please contact our team today to schedule your next visit at our New York, NY, or Jamaica, NY, offices.