Immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases is one of the most important and beneficial public health measures available. Diseases such as influenza (flu) and pneumococcal infections (which can lead to pneumonia and other complications) can be serious at any age. But they can be life-threatening for older adults.

All adults need an annual seasonal flu shot. And everyone over 65 needs a one-time pneumococcal shot. Everyone must receive a diphtheria/tetanus booster every 10 years. Most adults 60 and older should have a one-time herpes zoster (shingles) shot. Your mother is at risk of shingles if she has had chickenpox. And the best way to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) is to get vaccinated.

Vaccines help protect travelers of all ages. Your mother may need special immunizations, depending on the country that she plans to visit. Some diseases that are not common in the United States still exist in other parts of the world. In addition, in an airport or airplane, other travelers can expose her to disease. Contact her health care provider or public health department at least 6 weeks before her trip. It pays to be a prepared traveler.

Advise your mother to keep a record of her immunizations. Consult with her health care provider which shots she needs–and how many doses. She may need other shots, too, if she has certain risk factors. If there is any type of influenza that is going around, such as pandemic influenza, she may need a separate shot to help protect her against it. Make a chart and take it with you when she gets the shots to keep it updated. Having the needed vaccinations on schedule not only prevents disease, it helps maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Adults can spread disease; this is another reason why they need shots. In some cases, they may not even know they’re infected. These “hidden carriers” can infect others.