# Vaccinations

A schedule for people **over 48 years of age**.

> Costs: set aside at least a 750 to a 1000 euro's to cover all vaccinations costs. Start saving money right now.

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| Vaccine                                  | Benefit / Why Now                                                                        | Priority                                                                                 
| -----------------------------------------| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Td/Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | Booster every 10 years; protects against potentially serious infections from cuts/wounds | High – easy, inexpensive, important for safety                                           
| Influenza (flu, yearly)                  | Annual protection; reduces risk of severe illness                                        | High – simple annual shot                                                                
| COVID-19                                 | Prevents severe disease; follow booster schedule                                         | High – depends on local guidelines                                                       
| HPV (2 doses, ~€250)                     | Protects against cancer-causing HPV strains and future warts                             | Medium-High – useful before 45; good long-term cancer prevention                         
| Shingles (2 doses, ~€400)                | Protects against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia; recommended 50+                    | Medium – can wait a few years until recommended age, but optional earlier if higher risk 
| MMR                                      | Ensure immunity if unsure about two childhood doses                                      | Check – blood test can confirm immunity                                                  
| Hepatitis B                              | Only if incomplete childhood series                                                      | Check – protects liver, especially for health/travel risks                               
```

# Vaccination Priority Guide for Adults Over 48

## Tier 1: Get These Soon 

Td/Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis)
- Every 10 years throughout life
- Critical for wound protection (cuts, punctures, gardening injuries)
- Inexpensive and widely available
- *Action: Check when you last had one; get booster if it's been 10+ years*

Annual Influenza Shot
- Each fall/winter season
- Reduces risk of severe complications that increase with age
- Free or low-cost in most settings
- *Action: Get annually in autumn*

COVID-19
- Follow current booster recommendations (typically annual or as advised)
- Prevents severe disease and hospitalization
- *Action: Stay current with local health authority guidance*

## Tier 2: Strongly Consider Now

HPV Vaccine (2 doses, ~€250)
- FDA/EMA approved through age 45
- Prevents HPV-related cancers (throat, genital) and genital warts
- Most effective before exposure, but still beneficial at 48
- Worth discussing with your doctor, especially if you're in a new relationship or have limited prior HPV exposure
- *Action: Consult your GP about whether this makes sense for your situation*

## Tier 3: Plan for Soon (Age 50+)

Shingles Vaccine (2 doses, ~€400)
- Officially recommended at 50+, though sometimes given earlier
- Prevents painful shingles and chronic nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Risk increases significantly after 50
- *Action: Schedule for when you turn 50, or ask your doctor if earlier makes sense given your health*

Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV20 or PPSV23)
- Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections
- Risk increases with age; often recommended 50+ or 65+
- May be covered if you have chronic conditions (heart/lung disease, diabetes, weakened immune system)
- *Cost: ~€50-90 per dose (varies by type)*
  
## Tier 4: Check Your Status

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- *Action: If you're unsure about childhood vaccination, get a blood titer test to check immunity*
- Only need vaccination if blood test shows you're not immune

Hepatitis B
- *Action: Check if you completed the childhood series*
- Important if you work in healthcare, travel frequently, or have other risk factors

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Next Steps:
1. Schedule Td/Tdap if due (check your records)
2. Get your annual flu shot this fall
3. Confirm COVID-19 booster status
4. Discuss HPV with your doctor at next visit
5. Mark your calendar for shingles vaccine at age 50