Immunizations Across the Lifespan: Staying Protected

Healthcare professional wearing purple gloves preparing to administer a vaccine injection into a patient's upper arm.

Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones at every stage of life. Vaccines strengthen the body’s natural defenses, helping prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases and keeping communities healthier, especially our most vulnerable, like children and seniors. By understanding the proven safety and benefits of vaccines, you're taking an important step toward lifelong wellness for you and those around you.

What Vaccines and Immunizations Are and What They Do

Infectious diseases like polio or diphtheria, which were once common, are now rarely seen in developed countries. Vaccination programs were started for diseases like these because complications were so severe, some even died from them.

Defining Vaccines and Immunizations

Vaccines are biological substances that introduce a weakened or inactive version of the disease-causing agent to the body. The immune system reacts by developing antibodies to prepare itself to fight off future infections.

Why They Are Important for Preventive Health

Vaccination and immunization programs have one goal, and that is to eradicate dangerous infectious diseases completely. However, this can only work if everyone gets vaccinated.

Vaccines and Immunizations at Different Age Levels

It's commonly known that children usually get vaccinated for various diseases, but does anyone over the age of 13 need vaccinations? The answer is yes, teens, adults, and seniors should adhere to a vaccine strategy guide to avoid unnecessary health complications and a diminished quality of life. Listed are recommended vaccinations for each age group.

Children up to Two Years Old

Completing this vaccination series within the first two years will protect your child from chronic diseases and provide parents peace of mind. The vaccines that are included in the series include:

Diphtheria
Tetanus
Acellular Pertussis
Polio
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Influenza and Influenza B
Hepatitis A and B
Chicken Pox
Pneumococcal Conjugate
Rotavirus

Although chicken pox was always considered a mild disease in children, and most did not experience serious complications, it can cause pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, and inflammation of the brain in infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Adolescence

Sharing drinks, kissing, shaking hands, living in close quarters, or touching surfaces can cause exposure to diseases that the following vaccines can protect against:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Meningococcal conjugate
Tdap booster for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
COVID-19
Flu

Taking these precautions will increase the chances of a healthier and happier adolescence.

Adults

This group of people may benefit from these vaccinations to protect themselves from disease complications and from spreading diseases to others.

Annual flu shots
Tdap booster for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis every 10 years

The annual flu shot is especially important for adults who are at high risk or have conditions that would be exacerbated when getting the flu.

Seniors

Infectious diseases that can cause respiratory problems and severe infections are a concern at this stage of the lifespan. The vaccinations that become important to this age group are:

Shingles
Pnuemococcal
Flu
COVID-19
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

For adults 50 or older, the shingles vaccination should be a priority, while those 60+ who are at increased risk and all adults 75 and older should get the RSV vaccine. Those who are over the age of 65 should consider the pneumococcal vaccines.

Seasonal and Travel Recommendations

You'll want to know when peak seasons are for respiratory diseases so that you can get your vaccine close to when it should occur for it to be effective. You should also know what travel vaccines will keep you safe when you travel and return home.

Seasonal Vaccines

RSV, COVID-19, and flu are seasonal infectious diseases that spread in the fall and winter seasons. Although RSV vaccinations are recommended for seniors, pregnant women can benefit from this vaccine to protect their infants.

Travel Vaccines

Common travel vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Meningococcal.

Schedule an Appointment with PureView Health Today

We're here to answer questions or help with your vaccination needs. Schedule your visit to protect you and your family across your lifespans.

Image Credit: Pixel Shot / Shutterstock

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By Montana Radio • July 24, 2025

Regular medical check-ups maintain good health and catch potential issues early. At PureView Health Center, we emphasize preventive care as a key to long-term wellness. Routine visits can help manage health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing healthcare costs. Our comprehensive, patient-centered approach ensures that everyone, whether insured or low-income, receives the quality care they need. Why Are Medical Check-Ups Important? Routine check-ups do more than confirm you're feeling well—they help uncover issues before they become serious. Conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol often show no symptoms at first, but early detection through regular screenings can make all the difference. Timely intervention leads to more effective treatment and lowers the risk of life-altering illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes. Monitoring key health indicators consistently gives your care team a clear picture of your overall well-being. 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Early detection helps manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers more effectively, reducing the need for costly treatments down the line. The peace of mind from staying on top of your health is emotionally and financially invaluable. PureView Health Center: Your Partner in Wellness PureView Health Center is committed to being your trusted partner in wellness. We offer accessible, high-quality healthcare to everyone in the community, regardless of their situation. Our comprehensive services, including pharmacy support, are designed to meet all your healthcare needs. Experience the compassionate, expert care that sets us apart and supports your journey to better health. Your Path to Well-Being Starts With Us Regular check-ups help maintain good health. Focusing on preventive care can also provide long-term physical and financial benefits. PureView Health Center offers comprehensive care for a healthier future. 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Introducing PureView's SPARK Sessions!

By Damian Boudreau • December 2, 2024

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