Vaccines FAQs

Your Guide to Important Adult Vaccinations: Flu, RSV, Shingles, and Pneumonia

This guide provides answers to frequently asked questions about four important vaccines for adults: the seasonal flu shot, the new RSV vaccine, the shingles vaccine, and the pneumonia vaccine. Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations is a critical step in protecting your health and preventing serious respiratory illnesses.

General Questions

Why do I need different vaccines for different respiratory illnesses?

Each vaccine is designed to protect against a specific virus or bacteria. The flu shot targets influenza viruses, the RSV vaccine targets the respiratory syncytial virus, the shingles vaccine protects against the varicella-zoster virus, and the pneumonia vaccine defends against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. These pathogens are distinct and require their own unique vaccine for effective protection.

Can I get these vaccines at the same time?

In most cases, yes. It is generally safe to receive the flu shot, RSV vaccine, and pneumonia vaccine during the same visit. The shingles vaccine can also be administered with most others. However, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for you based on your individual health status.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

What is the flu shot and why do I need it every year?

The flu vaccine is an annual immunization that helps protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the upcoming season. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, so the vaccine is updated each year to provide the best possible protection. Annual vaccination is necessary to keep your immunity strong.

Who should get the flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for individuals at high risk of serious flu complications, including:

• Adults 65 years and older

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary from season to season. It depends on the match between the viruses in the vaccine and the viruses circulating in the community. However, even when it doesn't completely prevent the flu, the vaccine can significantly lessen the severity of the illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

What are the common side effects?

Most side effects are mild and last for a short time. They can include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

What is RSV and who is most at risk?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Those at highest risk for severe RSV infection include:

• Adults, especially those 50 years and older

• Adults with chronic heart or lung disease

• Adults with weakened immune systems

• Infants

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

The CDC recommends two new RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older, based on discussions with their healthcare provider. Additionally, an RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to protect their newborns from severe RSV.

How many doses do I need?

For most adults, a single dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended.

What are the potential side effects?

Common side effects are similar to other vaccines and include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

What is shingles and who gets it?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. The risk of shingles increases with age.

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

The CDC recommends two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for adults 50 years and older, as well as for adults 19 years and older who have a weakened immune system due to disease or medication.

How effective is the shingles vaccine?

The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective, proving to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 and older. It is also very effective at preventing the most common complication of shingles, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long-term nerve pain.

What are the common side effects of the shingles vaccine?

Side effects are common and can include a sore arm with mild or moderate pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Fatigue, muscle aches, headache, shivering, fever, and stomach pain are also possible. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is building a strong defense against the virus.

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) Vaccine

What does the pneumonia vaccine protect against?

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including pneumonia (a lung infection), meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), and bacteremia (a bloodstream infection).

Who needs the pneumonia vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for:

• All children younger than 2 years old.

• All adults 65 years or older.

• Individuals 2 through 64 years old with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

• Adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes or have asthma.

Are there different types of pneumonia vaccines?

Yes, there are several types of pneumococcal vaccines. The specific vaccine and the number of doses you need depend on your age and health status. The main types are pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Your doctor will determine the best vaccination strategy for you.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include redness and pain at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: This information is for general guidance only. It is essential to speak with your doctor or pharmacist to determine which vaccines are right for you and to get personalized medical advice based on your health history.