There are also different recommended vaccines by age.

Some are designed primarily for adolescents or young adults, and others primarily for older adults.

The basic reason for this is actually much simpler than trying to read through the vaccine recommendations themselves.

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Ultimately, its about giving your immune system the right tools at the right time to defend your health.

For someone in their 20s or 30s, the flu is temporarily very bothersome, but rarely life-threatening.

However, someone in their 70s getting the flu is much more serious.

The 70-year-old may be far more motivated to get the yearly flu shot.

For me personally, the benefits certainly outweigh the risk of a sore arm and potentially mild cold-like symptoms.

If needed, try contacting a states health department; some keep adult vaccine registries.