It’s easy to think of vaccines as something you receive in childhood and then forget about. But the truth is that staying on top of adult vaccinations is just as important for your long-term health.
Immunity from earlier jabs can fade over time, and new vaccines may be recommended as you age, travel, or develop certain health conditions. Your GP can guide you through the right schedule for your situation, and Doctify connects you with trusted doctors who can help you stay protected.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Adults
Vaccines aren’t just about children — they’re a lifelong shield against illness. As adults, our risk of serious infection increases if boosters or key immunisations are missed.
Vaccinations also play a vital role in protecting loved ones and communities, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as infants, older relatives, or people with weakened immune systems. Staying up to date is a simple but powerful way to safeguard both your own health and the people around you.
Core Adult Vaccines You Shouldn’t Skip
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The flu jab is recommended every year because flu strains change constantly. Annual vaccination reduces your risk of illness and serious complications such as pneumonia. It’s especially important for older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
A booster dose is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection. This vaccine guards against three dangerous infections — including whooping cough, which can still cause outbreaks in adults and spread to babies.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Recommended for all adults over 65, as well as those with long-term health conditions, this vaccine protects against pneumococcal disease — a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Other Important Vaccines Depending on Age and Health
Beyond the core vaccines, your GP may recommend others depending on your circumstances:
- Shingles vaccine: advised for adults over 50, it lowers the risk of shingles and its painful complications.
- HPV vaccine: now offered up to age 45, it protects against strains of the human papillomavirus linked to cervical, throat, and other cancers.
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines: useful for people at risk due to travel, occupation, or underlying health issues.
- COVID-19 boosters: provide ongoing protection in line with evolving health authority recommendations.
Tailoring Vaccinations to Individual Needs
Everyone’s vaccination needs are slightly different. Those with weakened immune systems may require additional protection, while frequent travellers may need jabs for specific destinations.
Women planning pregnancy should ensure they are protected against rubella, pertussis, and flu, as these infections can pose risks to both mother and baby. A GP can review your records and recommend any catch-up or additional vaccines that fit your personal health profile.
Common Concerns About Adult Vaccines
Many adults worry about vaccine safety or potential side effects. All vaccines are thoroughly tested and continuously monitored. The most common side effects are mild — for example, temporary arm soreness, a low-grade fever, or fatigue.
The benefits, however, are significant: reduced risk of hospitalisation, long-term illness, or serious complications. For most people, the protection far outweighs any short-term discomfort.
When to Speak With Your GP
It’s worth booking an appointment if you’re unsure about your vaccination history or if your circumstances have changed. This includes:
- Living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
- Planning travel abroad or pregnancy.
- Starting work in healthcare, childcare, or teaching, where vaccination helps protect those around you.
Doctify makes it simple to connect with a GP who can review your records and put you back on track.
Conclusion
Vaccinations aren’t just for children — they’re a vital part of staying healthy throughout adulthood. Core jabs like flu, Tdap, and pneumococcal vaccines should never be skipped, while others are recommended based on age, lifestyle, and personal health.
Taking a few minutes to check your vaccination schedule with a GP through Doctify provides peace of mind and long-term protection.
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 28/09/2025
