Vaccinations for Adults: Protecting Yourself and Our Community
When most people think of vaccinations, childhood immunizations often come to mind. However, vaccines are not just for kids. Adults also benefit from staying up to date with vaccinations, which can help protect personal health and the health of those around them. At Cullman Internal Medicine, we believe in guiding patients with clear, science-based information so they can make informed choices about their health. Vaccines are a part of preventive care, just like regular checkups and screenings, and they play an important role in supporting wellness across every stage of life.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Adults
Our immune systems are remarkable, but they can weaken with age or certain health conditions. Vaccinations work by teaching the body how to recognize and fight specific infections. This reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or long-term complications.
It is also important to remember that vaccinations contribute to community health. When more people are protected, it helps reduce the spread of disease to vulnerable groups such as infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. This community protection is sometimes called herd immunity, and it can make a real difference in preventing outbreaks.
Annual Vaccinations
One of the most familiar vaccines for adults is the flu shot. The influenza virus changes from year to year, which is why an annual flu vaccine is recommended. Even if you have had the flu before, a yearly shot helps your immune system prepare for the newest strains.
Another vaccine that has become a regular part of adult preventive care is the COVID-19 vaccine. Recommendations for boosters may change over time as health experts track the virus, so it is best to check with your healthcare provider each year to know if a booster is needed.
Vaccines by Age Group
While yearly vaccines are important, there are also vaccines that are recommended at certain ages or for specific health risks. Here is a general guide for adults:
Ages 19 to 26
- HPV Vaccine: If not received earlier, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adults through age 26. HPV can lead to certain cancers, and the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.
- Tdap Vaccine: A one-time Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is advised in adulthood if not received during adolescence. This is especially important for those who are around infants, as pertussis (whooping cough) can be severe in babies.
Ages 27 to 49
- Td or Tdap Booster: A booster shot is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria.
- Catch-Up Vaccinations: Adults who did not receive certain vaccines in childhood, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, may need them now. Your healthcare provider can guide you through which ones are appropriate.
Ages 50 to 64
- Shingles Vaccine: Beginning at age 50, adults are advised to receive the shingles vaccine. Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can lead to painful complications. The shingles vaccine helps lower this risk.
- Annual Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines: These continue to be important in this age group, especially as the immune system naturally begins to change with age.
Age 65 and Older
- Pneumococcal Vaccines: These protect against pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Recommendations vary based on prior vaccinations, but most adults 65 and older will need at least one dose.
- Shingles Vaccine (if not already received): If not given earlier, it should be completed at this stage.
- Annual Vaccines: The flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain essential to reduce the risk of serious illness.
Special Considerations
Certain health conditions may increase the need for specific vaccinations. For example, adults with diabetes, chronic heart disease, or weakened immune systems may be advised to receive additional vaccines such as hepatitis B. Travelers may also require vaccines depending on their destination.
Pregnant women are often advised to receive the Tdap vaccine to protect newborns from pertussis. The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended during pregnancy to help protect both mother and baby. These decisions are not things you have to make on your own. Please consult with your OBGYN for the most up-to-date vaccine recommendations for pregnant women.
Staying on Schedule
It can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep track of which vaccines are needed and when. This is where your healthcare provider can help. At Cullman Internal Medicine, our team reviews vaccination histories as part of preventive care visits. We provide guidance based on age, health conditions, and lifestyle factors to make sure patients are protected without unnecessary duplication of vaccines.
Maintaining an up-to-date vaccination record also helps simplify care. Keeping a personal record and sharing it with your provider ensures nothing is overlooked.
Vaccinations and Preventive Health
Vaccines are one part of a bigger picture of preventive health. Alongside regular checkups, screenings, healthy nutrition, exercise, and good sleep, vaccinations support your body’s ability to stay well. Choosing vaccination is not just about preventing illness—it is about protecting quality of life and maintaining independence as we age.
A Balanced Perspective
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we understand that some patients may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Our goal is not to pressure, but to provide clear medical information so that decisions can be made with confidence. Vaccinations are widely studied and continually monitored for safety, and the benefits of preventing serious illness are well-documented in medical science.
Final Thoughts
Vaccinations are a valuable tool in protecting both individual and community health. Adults benefit from annual vaccines, age-specific recommendations, and vaccines tailored to personal health conditions. By staying informed and working with trusted providers like Cullman Internal Medicine, you can make thoughtful decisions that support your health for years to come.
Your health is a lifelong journey, and vaccines are one of many resources that can help you travel that path with strength and peace of mind. Here at Cullman Internal Medicine, we advocate for a healthy you and for a healthy Cullman! Vaccinations are a simple way to protect yourself and populations that may not be able to receive them. We know that some may have serious concerns about vaccinations, and we take that very seriously. If you have questions about vaccine safety or would like to discuss a vaccination plan, please do not hesitate to contact us. We welcome your questions and value your opinions. Reach out today!
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.