Protecting Against Serious and Preventable Illness
Vaccines help prevent illnesses that can lead to severe complications, hospitalization, long-term disability, or even death—especially among adults with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems.
Key vaccines for adults include:
- Influenza (flu) – Reduces the risk of serious respiratory illness and complications each flu season.
- COVID-19 – Helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Staying up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations can provide ongoing protection as the virus continues to evolve.
- Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) – Adults should receive a one-time Tdap vaccine if they did not receive it as an adolescent, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years. This vaccine also helps prevent the spread of whooping cough, which can be especially dangerous for infants.
- Pneumococcal vaccines – Protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – Recommended for adults age 50 and older to prevent shingles and the long-lasting nerve pain that can accompany it.
- RSV vaccine – Recommended for eligible older adults and certain high-risk individuals to help prevent severe respiratory illness.
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines – Help prevent serious liver infections that can lead to chronic disease and liver cancer.
By preventing illness, vaccines also reduce the need for emergency care, hospitalizations, missed work, and lengthy recovery periods
Family Physicians Play a Critical Role
Patients consistently identify their primary care provider as their most trusted source of vaccine information. A strong recommendation from a physician remains one of the most effective predictors of vaccine acceptance.
Family medicine practices are uniquely positioned to:
- Assess immunization status during wellness and chronic care visits
- Identify patients eligible for age-based and risk-based vaccines
- Address vaccine hesitancy with evidence-based education
- Implement standing orders and reminder systems
- Improve vaccination rates through proactive outreach efforts
By integrating adult immunization assessments into routine workflows, practices can help close vaccination gaps while enhancing preventive care delivery.
How CPP Buying Group Supports Your Practice
