Vaccine Information for Adults
You never outgrow the need for vaccines. The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to obtain and maintain protection against: flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, shingles, pneumococcal, HPV, etc.
Seasonal influenza (flu)– In general, anyone who is 6 months or older can benefit from the protection of a flu vaccination.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) – One booster dose for adults through age 64 years and for adults 65 years and older who will have close contact with infants and have not previously received the Tdap vaccine.
Shingles– For adults 60 years and older
Pneumococcal disease– For adults 65 years and older and adults with specific health conditions
Human papillomavirus (HPV)– For females 26 years and younger; for males 24 years and younger
Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella.
Review the Adult Immunization Schedule to see if you need any immunizations.
Are You an Advocate for your Family?
Your need for immunizations does not end when you reach adulthood. In fact, the need for immunization remains just as strong as when you were a vulnerable child. As adults, we must continue to maintain our own health because we are also affecting the health of our families by teaching them how to care for themselves.
Encourage other adults in your family to check with their doctors for immunizations they may need to help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. Childhood vaccinations will not protect you for the rest of your life.
Be the example! Remind your family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to get vaccinated each year against seasonal influenza. If they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, they protect themselves and those around them, especially babies too young to be vaccinated.