Educational Resource: This article provides general health education about adult vaccination schedules and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for your individual health situation, risk factors, and vaccination history.
Most people think of vaccinations as something primarily for children, but immunizations remain an important part of preventive health care throughout adulthood. Adult vaccines protect against serious diseases, prevent outbreaks in communities, and are especially important for those with chronic health conditions, weakened immune systems, or increased exposure risk.
Understanding which vaccines you need and when can help you stay protected and maintain your health as you age. Here's a comprehensive guide to adult vaccination recommendations.
Why Adults Need Vaccines
There are several reasons why vaccination doesn't stop after childhood. Some childhood vaccines wear off over time and require booster doses to maintain protection. New vaccines have been developed since you were a child that weren't available during your youth. As you age, your immune system changes and you become more vulnerable to certain diseases. Additionally, your life circumstances, travel plans, occupation, or health status may put you at increased risk for specific infections.
Vaccines aren't just about protecting yourself. When you're vaccinated, you also help protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to serious illness, including infants, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Recommended Vaccines for All Adults
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for all adults unless they have specific contraindications. Influenza viruses change each year, which is why you need a new vaccine annually. The best time to get vaccinated is in early fall, before flu season begins, though getting vaccinated later in the season still provides benefit.
For adults 65 and older, high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are available and may provide better protection than standard-dose vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about which formulation is right for you.
Tdap and Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
All adults should receive a Tdap vaccine if they didn't receive one as an adolescent. After that, a Td booster is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Tdap is especially important for adults who will have close contact with infants, as it provides protection against pertussis (whooping cough), which can be deadly for babies.
If you experience a severe wound or burn, you may need a tetanus booster sooner than the 10-year mark, depending on when you last received the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all adults. The specific vaccine series and booster schedule continues to evolve based on emerging variants and ongoing research. Currently, most adults should complete a primary vaccine series and receive updated boosters as recommended by public health authorities.
Older adults and those with certain medical conditions may be advised to receive additional booster doses. Stay current with the latest recommendations from the CDC and discuss your individual needs with your healthcare provider.
Age-Based Vaccine Recommendations
Shingles Vaccine (Ages 50 and Up)
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for adults age 50 and older, even if you've had shingles before or received the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax). The vaccine is given in two doses, separated by 2 to 6 months.
Shingles can cause a painful rash and long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia. The risk increases significantly with age, making vaccination particularly important for older adults. The shingles vaccine is highly effective at preventing both shingles and its complications.
Pneumococcal Vaccines (Ages 65 and Up, or High-Risk Adults)
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against serious pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. There are different types of pneumococcal vaccines, and the specific recommendation depends on your age and health status.
Adults 65 and older should receive pneumococcal vaccination. Adults under 65 with certain medical conditions, including chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, should also be vaccinated. The exact vaccine series you need depends on which pneumococcal vaccines you may have received previously.
Vaccines Based on Risk Factors
HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is routinely recommended for preteens, but adults who didn't receive the vaccine when they were younger may benefit from catch-up vaccination. The vaccine is recommended for all people through age 26 if they weren't adequately vaccinated earlier.
For adults ages 27 through 45 who weren't previously vaccinated, the decision to get vaccinated should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, based on individual risk factors and likelihood of benefit.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all adults who want protection, those traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common, people with chronic liver disease, and those with other specific risk factors. The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated adults with diabetes, chronic liver disease, HIV infection, or who are at increased risk due to sexual exposure or injection drug use. Universal hepatitis B vaccination is increasingly recommended for all adults who haven't been previously vaccinated.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Most adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles, mumps, and rubella. Adults born in 1957 or later who don't have evidence of immunity should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Healthcare workers and international travelers may need two doses.
This is particularly important if you're planning to travel internationally or work in healthcare, as measles outbreaks still occur when unvaccinated individuals are exposed.
Meningococcal Vaccines
Meningococcal vaccines protect against bacterial meningitis. These vaccines are recommended for adults with certain medical conditions, including those without a functioning spleen or with complement component deficiency. They're also recommended for college students living in residence halls, military recruits, and travelers to countries where meningococcal disease is common.
Special Situations
Pregnancy
Certain vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby. Tdap vaccine should be given during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, to protect newborns from whooping cough. The flu vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy, regardless of trimester.
Some vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy, including MMR and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. If you need these vaccines and are planning a pregnancy, you should receive them at least one month before conceiving.
Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers have additional vaccine requirements because of their increased exposure risk and the need to protect vulnerable patients. In addition to routine adult vaccines, healthcare workers typically need hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and meningococcal vaccines. Annual flu vaccination is usually required for healthcare workers.
International Travel
If you're planning international travel, you may need additional vaccines depending on your destination. These might include yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, or additional doses of routine vaccines. Schedule a travel health consultation at least 4-6 weeks before departure, as some vaccine series take time to complete.
Checking Your Vaccination Status
Many adults don't have complete records of which vaccines they received as children or young adults. If you're unsure about your vaccination history, discuss options with your healthcare provider. In some cases, blood tests can determine if you're immune to certain diseases. In other cases, it may be safer to simply receive the vaccine again rather than remain unprotected.
Keep a personal record of all vaccinations you receive as an adult, including the vaccine name, date received, and where you received it. This record will be invaluable for future healthcare needs and travel.
Common Questions About Adult Vaccines
Are Vaccines Safe for Adults?
Vaccines recommended for adults have been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. Like all medications, vaccines can have side effects, but these are typically mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. Serious side effects are rare. The diseases vaccines prevent pose far greater health risks than the vaccines themselves.
Can I Receive Multiple Vaccines at Once?
Yes, most adult vaccines can be safely given during the same visit. This is often more convenient and ensures you stay up to date with your vaccinations. Your healthcare provider can advise you if there are any specific timing considerations for the vaccines you need.
What If I Have a Chronic Health Condition?
Many vaccines are especially important for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems. However, some vaccines may not be appropriate depending on your specific condition or medications. Always discuss your health status with your provider before receiving vaccines.
Taking Action
During your next healthcare visit, ask about your vaccination status and which vaccines you may need. Your annual physical exam is an ideal time to review and update your immunizations. Don't let the opportunity to protect yourself against preventable diseases pass by.
Adult vaccination is a simple but powerful form of preventive care. By staying current with recommended vaccines, you protect your own health and contribute to the health of your community.
Action Step: Bring a list of any vaccines you remember receiving to your next doctor's appointment. If you don't have vaccination records, ask whether immunity testing or catch-up vaccines would be appropriate for your situation.