Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 August)
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Although immunizations are often associated with children, it is important to keep up with needed immunizations throughout adulthood. Immunizations protect not only us, but our family and friends too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends immunizations for adults based on age and other risk factors. They recommend that all adults aged 50-64 stay up to date on these vaccines:
- COVID-19 vaccine – Two or three dose primary series plus boosters.
- Flu vaccine (influenza) – adults should get a flu vaccine every year before the end of October, if possible.
- Shingles vaccine (Zoster) – Two doses are given, separated by two to six months. Get vaccinated even if you’ve had shingles in the past.
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus and diphtheria) – adults who have never been vaccinated should get the Tdap vaccine, followed by either a Td or Tdap vaccine every 10 years.
In addition to the vaccines listed above, the CDC recommends adults 65 and older also get the Pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but it is older adults who are at greatest risk of serious illness and death from the disease.
To view the CDC’s full adult immunization schedule, visit Fairfax County Health Department’s website at FairfaxCounty.gov/health/immunization/adult.
Another tool available to determine what vaccines you may need is the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool, found at www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched. By answering a few questions, adults 19 and older can get a list of recommended vaccines. These recommendations are based on age, health conditions, job, and other factors.
Vaccination Locations
Vaccinations for adults are available from your health care provider or at the health department’s five clinics:
- Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax; Call 703-246-7100, TTY Relay 711, or email JosephWillard.Center@FairfaxCounty.gov.
- Annandale District Office, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Suite 400E, Annandale; Call 703-246-7100, TTY Relay 711, or email Annandale.Office@FairfaxCounty.gov.
- Springfield District Office, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, The Cary Building - Suite A100, Springfield; Call 703-246-7100, TTY Relay 711, or email Springfield.Office@FairfaxCounty.gov.
- Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria; Call 703-246-7100, TTY Relay 711, or email MtVernon.Office@FairfaxCounty.gov.
- Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100, Reston; Call 703-246-7100 TTY Relay 711, or email HerndonReston.Office@FairfaxCounty.gov.
Documenting Your Vaccinations
In the United States, no national organization maintains vaccination records. This means that, for many adults, our vaccination record may be incomplete or built on guesswork. However, it’s not too late to create a personal vaccination record. Check these sources to begin compiling your record:
- Baby books and documents from your childhood for records of childhood immunizations.
- If you served in the armed forces, they may have a record of any immunizations you received.
- Check with your doctor or public health clinic for any vaccines you received.
If you are unable to find your records and are unsure which vaccines you’ve received, ask your health care professional what vaccines they recommend you receive. Although getting shots is never fun, it is safe to repeat vaccines.
To avoid any confusion in the future, you may wish to keep your own vaccination record. Ask your doctor or other health care professional for an immunization record form. You can also download and print a form at immunize.org/catg.d/p2023.pdf. Bring the form with you to medical appointments and ask your vaccine provider to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive. In between appointments, store your record in a secure location with other important health documents.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).