Which vaccines are no longer needed once you've exceeded the recommended age?

Vaccines that are not required after exceeding the recommended age include the BCG vaccine, polio vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, measles-rubella combined vaccine, and varicella vaccine. If you have questions about the appropriate vaccination age or have special health conditions, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

1. BCG vaccine: Primarily used to prevent tuberculosis, this vaccine is recommended for newborns as early after birth as possible. Individuals over 4 years of age who have not been vaccinated do not need to receive it. Older children and adults generally have sufficient natural immunity to resist Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

2. Polio vaccine: Used to prevent poliomyelitis, the full series should be completed before age 4. Those over 4 years who have not completed the schedule do not need further doses. The risk of infection in this age group is extremely low, and the vaccine offers limited protective benefit at this stage.

3. Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine: Prevents pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Routine vaccination is completed by age 6. Individuals over 6 years who have not completed the full series do not require catch-up vaccination. The likelihood of infection in older individuals is low, and risks can be reduced through other preventive measures.

4. Measles-rubella combined vaccine: Prevents measles and rubella. The primary target group is children aged 8 months to 6 years. Individuals over 15 years who have not been vaccinated do not need to receive it, as most people in this age group have already acquired immunity through natural infection or prior vaccination.

5. Varicella vaccine: Prevents chickenpox. The priority group includes children aged 1–12 years. Individuals over 18 years who have never been vaccinated and lack a history of chickenpox may choose to get vaccinated voluntarily, but it is not routinely recommended. In older individuals, infection symptoms are typically mild if they occur.

After vaccination, keep the injection site clean and dry, avoid strenuous exercise, maintain a light diet, reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods, and closely monitor your body's response. Mild reactions such as low-grade fever or local redness and swelling are usually self-limiting and do not require excessive concern.