Your Best Shot at Staying Healthy This Fall: Vaccines & Prevention in Naples

May 1, 2025

As summer turns to fall, so does the focus on preventive care. September is a reminder that staying healthy often begins with something simple yet powerful: vaccinations.

At Harper Health, we believe prevention is the cornerstone of long-term wellness. For our members in Sarasota and Naples, fall is the perfect time to check in with your doctor and make sure your immunizations are up to date—especially if you’re age 50 and above.

Why Vaccines Matter for Adults

While childhood vaccinations are well known, adults also need ongoing protection. As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making us more vulnerable to certain infections. Vaccines can help prevent serious illness, reduce complications, and even save lives.

Commonly recommended vaccines for adults include:

Flu (influenza) vaccine: Updated annually to match circulating strains.
COVID-19 booster: Helps maintain protection against severe illness.
Shingles vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50 to prevent painful outbreaks.
Pneumonia vaccine: Helps protect older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Tdap or tetanus booster: Every 10 years for continued protection.

For those living in Southwest Florida, where travel and seasonal visitors are common, vaccination is an essential part of community health as well.

Naples Lifestyle Considerations

Life in Naples means golf, boating, travel, and enjoying time with friends and family. But these active lifestyles also bring more opportunities for exposure to seasonal illnesses.

For example:

Air travel during holiday season increases exposure to flu and respiratory viruses.
Group activities like bridge clubs, fitness classes, or church gatherings make prevention even more important.
Outdoor lifestyle means cuts, scrapes, or injuries—making tetanus protection vital.

By staying current with recommended vaccines, you protect not only yourself but also your loved ones and community.

Concierge Care Advantage

What makes vaccine management different at Harper Health? In a traditional setting, it’s easy for details to slip through the cracks. But in a concierge model, your doctor knows your history, reviews your records carefully, and ensures nothing is overlooked.

Members benefit from:

Personalized schedules based on age, travel, and medical history.
Convenient appointments—often same-day or next-day.
Longer visits that include preventive planning, not just problem-solving.
Direct communication with your doctor if you have questions about safety or timing.

This proactive, relationship-based approach helps keep you one step ahead.

Take Action This Fall

Now is the perfect time to check your records and make sure you’re protected. If it’s been a while since your last check-in, schedule an appointment with your physician. Together, we can create a comprehensive fall wellness plan that goes beyond vaccines to include screenings, nutrition, and stress management.

At Harper Health Sarasota, we’re here to keep you thriving—not just through flu season, but for the years ahead. Because prevention isn’t just medicine—it’s peace of mind.