The Complete Guide to Adult Vaccinations in Mississippi

Why this matters in Mississippi

Mississippi has some of the highest rates of preventable infectious disease complications in the country. Pneumonia hospitalizations. Shingles cases. Hepatitis B prevalence. Flu deaths in older adults. Most of these are reduced by vaccines that are available at any pharmacy, often without an appointment, often without a primary care referral.

Vaccines available at most pharmacies including Fairview

• Influenza (annual flu shot).
• COVID 19, including updated boosters.
• Pneumococcal (PCV20, PPSV23, depending on age and history).
• Shingles (Shingrix), two dose series.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and Td boosters.
• Hepatitis A and B.
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella where indicated.
• HPV for adults up to age 45 in some cases.
• RSV for older adults and certain other populations.
• Meningococcal for adults at risk.
• Travel vaccines including typhoid, hepatitis A, and others.

By age

Adults 19 to 49

• Annual flu vaccine.
• COVID vaccine and updates per current recommendations.
• Tdap once, then Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years.
• MMR if not previously vaccinated and no immunity.
• Varicella (chickenpox) if not previously vaccinated and no immunity.
• Hepatitis B if not vaccinated, particularly with risk factors.
• HPV through age 26 routinely, age 27 to 45 by individual decision.
• Meningococcal for college students, military, certain other groups.

Adults 50 to 64

• Continue annual flu, COVID, and Tdap boosters.
• Shingles (Shingrix) two dose series starting at age 50.
• Pneumococcal vaccine for adults with certain medical conditions.
• RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older, and earlier with some conditions.

Adults 65 and older

• Annual flu (high dose or adjuvanted formulations are preferred).
• Pneumococcal vaccine, with specific schedule.
• Shingles if not previously vaccinated.
• Tdap or Td boosters every 10 years.
• RSV vaccine.
• COVID per current recommendations.

Special populations

Pregnancy

Tdap during each pregnancy. Influenza during each pregnancy. RSV vaccination in specific weeks of pregnancy. COVID per current recommendations. Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) are not given during pregnancy.

Patients with diabetes

• Pneumococcal vaccine recommended at any age.
• Hepatitis B if not previously vaccinated.
• All other age appropriate vaccines.

Patients with chronic lung or heart conditions

• Annual flu, particularly important.
• Pneumococcal regardless of age.
• RSV consideration earlier than age 60 in some cases.

Immunocompromised patients

Vaccine schedule depends on the cause and severity of immunocompromise. Live vaccines may be contraindicated. Specialty clinician guidance is important.

What about side effects

Most adult vaccines cause mild, brief side effects: sore arm, fatigue, low grade fever, headache. These typically resolve in 1 to 3 days. Serious side effects are rare.

Some vaccines, particularly Shingrix, are well known for causing more pronounced day after symptoms. Many patients schedule the shot on a Friday so the next day is not a workday.

Common questions

Can I get multiple vaccines at the same visit

Yes, most vaccines can be given together at separate sites. We often combine flu and COVID, flu and pneumococcal, or other appropriate combinations.

Will my insurance cover this

Most adult vaccines are covered without cost sharing under both Medicare and most commercial insurance plans. We verify before administering. For uninsured patients, several manufacturer and state programs exist.

Do I need to do anything special to prepare

Eat normally. Drink water. Bring your insurance card and ID. If you have a vaccine record, bring it. We can also look up your history from our system and the state immunization registry.

When to talk to a pharmacist

• You are not sure which vaccines you need.
• You have not had a vaccine review in several years.
• You have a chronic condition that may change the recommendations.
• You are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• You are caring for a parent and want to coordinate their vaccines.
• You are traveling internationally.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Before starting or changing any medication, including over the counter products and supplements, talk with your pharmacist or physician about your specific situation.