If you thought that the vaccines you received as a child will protect you for the rest of your life, well, this is not always the case, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For starters, newer vaccines have become available since you were younger. Plus, immunity can fade over time. Here are four life-saving shots you might be missing. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine which vaccines or booster shots you need.

1. Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine prevents influenza, the highly contagious respiratory illness that strikes up to 20 percent of people all over the world, causing symptoms such as fever, aches, sore throat, runny nose, and an estimated 36,000 deaths every year.

Who should get it: The CDC encourages everyone 6 months and older to receive the shot. However, vaccination is a must for individuals who are at high risk for flu complications:

• Children aged 6 months to 19 years
• Pregnant women
• People aged 50 and above
• Anyone with certain chronic medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, severe anemia, or immune deficiency
• Healthcare workers
• Caregivers and people who are in contact with anyone in the high-risk group.

How often: Once a year, between September and February. It is best to have your shot taken eariler rather than later before the flu season (which occurs from November to April) to give your body a chance to build up immunity to the virus.