Your best shots

Adults still need to have vaccinations. Here is what to have and when.

Flu Get it annually. The vaccine is reformaed each year to protect against the strains tipped to dominate. Researchers are working on a universal vaccine to eliminate annual shots.

TDAP Vaccines to prevent pertussis (aka whooping cough) are available in combination with tetanus and diphtheria. Have the vaccine in early adulthood if you didn’t have a tetanus/ diphtheria/pertussis shot as an adolescent. Each 10 years, have a tetanusdiphtheria booster. If you are spending time with a baby or child under

4, a pertussis update is also recommended. Shingles Adults over 50 who live in the same household as someone with a weakened immune system should consider geing the vaccine. Adults aged 70 can be immunised for free.

Pneumonia Adults over 65 or at high pneumonia risk with underlying medical conditions can access a free vaccine at their doctor. COVID The benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks by far but if you have any concerns about taking it, talk to your doctor.