Here, what you need to know about adult vaccines recommended by the CDC:
Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
When recommended: One dose every year for all adults in the fall or early winter
What you should know: The recommendations on who should get the flu vaccine have evolved over the last ten years. The list initially just including people age 65 and older and those who work in health care and/or have special health risks; now the shot is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. Why the change? "Time and research has shown us that everyone can benefit from this vaccine," says Dr. Rodewald. "The risk of influenza is very real for everybody. Influenza is a contagious disease and if you're vaccinated, you're much less likely to participate in a chain of transmission that continues to spread the infection. Over the years this vaccine has been shown to be very safe."
Possible side effects: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site; Less common: hoarseness; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough; fever; aches that may begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
