How can I support my immunity?

Supporting Immunity Through Vaccination

The most effective way to support immunity is through adherence to age-appropriate vaccination schedules as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which provides protection against vaccine-preventable diseases throughout the lifespan. 1

Core Vaccination Strategy by Age Group

Adults 19-64 Years

• Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all adults to prevent disease and reduce transmission 1
• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis): One dose if not previously received, followed by Td booster every 10 years 1
• During pregnancy: Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably during gestational weeks 27-36, to protect both mother and newborn 1

Adults 65 Years and Older

• Pneumococcal vaccination series: PCV13 followed by PPSV23 at least 1 year later provides critical protection against pneumococcal disease 1
• Zoster (shingles) vaccine: 2-dose RZV series (2-6 months apart) starting at age 50 years or older 1
• Annual influenza vaccination remains essential 1

Special Populations Requiring Enhanced Protection

Immunocompromised individuals require tailored vaccination approaches 1:

• Can safely receive inactivated vaccines (influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B) 1
• Should avoid live vaccines (MMR, varicella, zoster live vaccine) due to risk of vaccine-strain disease 1
• May have reduced vaccine effectiveness depending on degree of immune dysfunction 1
• Household contacts must be fully vaccinated to create a protective barrier around immunocompromised individuals 1

Healthcare personnel should ensure immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, and receive annual influenza vaccination 1

Critical Implementation Principles

Timing and Adherence

• Adherence to recommended schedules is paramount - delays leave individuals vulnerable to preventable diseases 2, 3
• Only 63% of children follow recommended vaccination patterns, with 37% experiencing delays that increase disease susceptibility 2
• Every medical encounter should be used as an opportunity to update vaccination status 1, 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay vaccination for minor illnesses without fever - this is a precaution, not a contraindication 1
• Pregnancy is NOT a contraindication for inactivated vaccines (influenza, Tdap) - these are specifically recommended 1
• Do not confuse precautions with contraindications - only severe allergic reactions and specific immunodeficiency states are true contraindications 1

Contraindications vs. Precautions

True contraindications (never give vaccine) 1:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to vaccine component
• Severe immunodeficiency for live vaccines only
• Pregnancy for live vaccines (MMR, varicella, live zoster)

Precautions (may delay but not avoid) 1:

• Moderate to severe acute illness with or without fever
• Recent receipt of antibody-containing blood products (for live vaccines)

Beyond Vaccination: Supporting Immune Function

While vaccination is the cornerstone of immune support, healthy diet and regular exercise form a complementary triad for optimal immune function across the lifespan 5

System-Level Strategies

• Implement reminder/recall systems to improve vaccination rates 1
• Ensure bidirectional flow between immunization information systems and electronic health records 1
• Provide vaccine information statements (VIS) and document discussions about risks and benefits 1

The evidence is clear: life-course immunization beginning in childhood and continuing throughout adulthood reduces morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults who face increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases. 6, 5