Practice Matters: Adult Vaccination Recommendations

Vaccinations provide protection from serious illness, long term complications, or death from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases throughout the lifespan. Vaccinations are a safe and effective primary prevention strategy to improve individual and community health. With many immunizations scheduled during childhood, adult vaccination needs for individuals over the age of 18 may be overlooked. Pre-existing health conditions, travel, and personal lifestyle, along with decreasing childhood immunization protections, can leave adults vulnerable to many vaccine-preventable diseases. The onset of the global 2019 coronavirus pandemic, along with vaccination disparities, anti-vaccination ideals, and mistrust, has highlighted the need for open discussion and public education regarding vaccine recommendations and safety in the United States. Faith Community Nurses are an important resource within their community and can provide current vaccine education, screening, and immunization recommendations for adults