National Immunization Awareness Month is a yearly reminder that vaccines are important at every age - not just childhood! Many vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the community, and making sure you're protected from them is a big part of staying healthy. If you missed some of your shots when you were younger, now is a great time to get caught up. If you are a patient at AMM, your provider will be happy to review your immunization history and recommend what you need.

AMM offers the following vaccines:

Tdap - a combination vaccine that protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria (a serious respiratory illness), and pertussis (whooping cough). Generally recommended every 10 years throughout adulthood.
Hepatitis A - protects against hepatitis A virus, which causes a liver infection and is spread through contaminated food or water or close person-to-person contact. The vaccine is given in 2 doses, spaced 6-18 months apart.
Hepatitis B - protects against hepatitis B virus, which causes chronic liver infection and is spread through body fluids. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over a 6-month period (at 0, 1, and 6 months)
MMR - a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is usually recommended that adults who were never vaccinated receive 1-2 doses depending on their risk factors.
HPV - protects against Human Papillomavirus, which is the virus that causes genital warts and most cervical cancers (as well as anal, throat, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers). After age 15 the vaccine is given in 3 doses, over a 6-month period (at 0, 1–2, and 6 months)
Shingrix - protects against shingles, which is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox (varicella-zoster). This vaccine is typically recommended for people over age 50 or people over age 19 who have weak immune systems due to disease or treatments.
Prevnar 20 - protects against 20 strains of a bacteria that can cause things like pneumonia, blood infections, meningitis, and ear or sinus infections. The vaccine is usually recommended for unvaccinated people over age 50 or unvaccinated people over age 19 who have chronic health problems.
RSV - protects against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to more serious illness such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Usually recommended for unvaccinated adults over 75 years, or unvaccinated adults over age 50 with certain health conditions.
Flu - protects against seasonal influenza (flu). Unlike the other vaccines listed, the flu shot is updated annually because influenza strains change year to year, so last year’s shot won’t protect against this year’s flu. The updated flu vaccine is usually available in the fall each year and recommended for almost everyone.

Feeling a little nervous or have concerns about side effects? That’s completely normal. Some people have no side effects or symptoms at all after a vaccine, but the people who do usually experience nothing more than mild, short-lived effects. These might include soreness at the injection site, mild fatigue, headache, or a low-grade fever. Such symptoms typically appear within a day or two and resolve on their own after a few days. And the good news? They're actually a sign your immune system is responding and building protection!

Serious reactions are rare, and healthcare providers are trained to watch for and manage them. However, if you have specific health conditions or past reactions, it's worth mentioning them to your provider beforehand. The bottom line? For most people, any discomfort is brief and well worth the protection it provides.

If you need to get caught up on vaccines or think you might be due for an immunization, call us at (919) 250-3320 to schedule an appointment or ask your provider about it at your next visit. It’s never too late to get the vaccines you need.

– Written by Tara Conti, MSN, RN, FNP

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Adult Immunization Schedule by Age." CDC.gov, updated July 2, 2025. ttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html.