Most adults think vaccines are just for children, but thousands of adults get sick each year from diseases that vaccines could have prevented. The CDC's adult immunization schedule provides clear guidelines for which vaccines adults need at different ages and life stages. Many adults are missing important vaccines like the yearly flu shot, updated COVID-19 boosters, or the shingles vaccine that becomes recommended at age 50.

Adult vaccination needs change based on age, health conditions, and risk factors. While some vaccines like tetanus require boosters every 10 years, others like pneumonia vaccines are recommended for specific age groups or people with certain medical conditions. The immunization schedule helps people understand when they need these shots and why timing matters.

Understanding which vaccines adults need can be confusing, especially when recommendations change or new vaccines become available. This guide breaks down the essential vaccines all adults should consider, explains additional shots based on individual risk factors, and provides practical information about accessing and tracking vaccinations throughout adulthood.

Essential Vaccinations for Adults: Core Recommendations

The CDC recommends several core vaccines for adults aged 19 years or older to maintain immunity throughout life. These essential vaccinations protect against serious diseases that can cause severe complications or death.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Annual Protection

Adults need an influenza vaccine every year. The flu shot protects against seasonal influenza viruses that change constantly.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Adults should get vaccinated by October each year for best protection.

Why Annual Vaccination Matters:

• Immunity from previous vaccines decreases over time

• Flu viruses change each year

• New vaccine formulas target the strains most likely to spread

The vaccine reduces flu risk by 40-60% when well-matched to circulating viruses. It also makes symptoms milder if someone does get sick.

Adults can choose from different vaccine types. Most people can get the standard flu shot. People with severe egg allergies have special vaccine options available.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Updated Immunity for Adults

COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against severe illness and death. Adults need updated vaccines based on current virus strains.

The vaccination schedule depends on age and health status. Most adults need one or more doses of the current COVID-19 vaccine.

Key Benefits Include:

• Reduced risk of severe COVID-19

• Lower chance of hospitalization

• Protection against long COVID symptoms

• Decreased spread to others

People with weakened immune systems may need additional doses. Those with certain health conditions should talk to their doctor about timing.

Updated vaccines target the most recent virus variants. The CDC updates recommendations as new vaccines become available.

Tdap and Td: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis

Adults need protection against three serious bacterial infections. Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Vaccination Schedule:

• Adults who never got childhood vaccines need 3 doses

• Everyone needs a booster every 10 years

• One dose needed for dirty or deep wounds

Tetanus bacteria live in soil and enter through cuts or wounds. It causes painful muscle spasms that can be deadly.

Diphtheria creates thick buildup in the throat. This makes breathing and swallowing very hard.

Pertussis causes severe coughing fits. It spreads easily and can be deadly for babies.

Pregnant women need one Tdap dose during each pregnancy. This protects newborn babies who cannot get vaccinated yet.

Pneumococcal Vaccines: Preventing Pneumonia

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against bacterial infections that cause pneumonia. These bacteria can also infect the blood, brain, and spinal cord.

Adults aged 19-64 with certain health conditions need these vaccines. All adults 65 and older should get vaccinated.

High-Risk Conditions Include:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Lung disease

• Weakened immune system

• Smoking

Two types of pneumococcal vaccines exist. Most adults need one or two doses depending on their age and health.

The vaccines prevent serious complications like blood poisoning. They also reduce the risk of pneumonia that requires hospital care.

Adults who got vaccinated before age 65 may need another dose later. The doctor can check vaccination records to determine what is needed.

Additional Vaccines You Might Be Missing Based on Risk Factors

Many adults need specific vaccines based on age, health conditions, or lifestyle factors that go beyond the standard immunization schedule. These vaccines include hepatitis B for all adults, HPV for certain age groups, RSV for older adults, and shingles protection starting at age 50.

Hepatitis B: Updated Recommendations for Adults

All adults aged 19-59 should receive the hepatitis B vaccine unless they have a medical reason not to get it. Adults 60 and older may receive the vaccine based on their risk factors and discussion with their healthcare provider.

The hepatitis B vaccination series requires 2-4 shots over several months. The exact number depends on which vaccine brand is used and any medical conditions present.

Adults at increased risk include healthcare workers, people with diabetes, those with kidney disease, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. People who inject drugs or have household contacts with hepatitis B also need vaccination.

High-risk groups requiring hepatitis B vaccine:

• Healthcare and public safety workers

• People with chronic kidney disease

• Adults with diabetes under age 60

• International travelers to high-risk areas

• Men who have sex with men

HPV Vaccine: Human Papillomavirus Prevention

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all adults through age 26 if they weren't adequately vaccinated earlier. Adults aged 27-45 may receive the vaccine based on shared clinical decision-making with their healthcare provider.

Most people in the 27-45 age group get less benefit from HPV vaccination. This is because they likely have already been exposed to the virus. However, some adults in this age range may still benefit from vaccination.

The vaccine prevents certain cancers caused by HPV, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. It also prevents genital warts in both men and women.

People who need 2-3 doses include those who started the series but didn't complete it. The number of doses depends on age at first vaccination and immune system status.

RSV Vaccine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Older Adults

Adults aged 75 and older should receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Adults aged 60-74 with certain risk factors may also need vaccination based on their healthcare provider's recommendation.

RSV causes serious breathing problems in older adults. It can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, especially in people with heart or lung conditions.

Risk factors for severe RSV include:

• Chronic heart or lung disease

• Weakened immune system

• Severe obesity

• Diabetes

• Chronic kidney disease

Pregnant women should receive the RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. This protects newborn babies during their first few months of life when they're most vulnerable to severe RSV.

The vaccine is given seasonally, typically in late summer or early fall before RSV season begins.

Shingles (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine): Protection for Age 50+

Adults aged 50 and older need two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) to prevent shingles. This includes people who previously received the older zoster vaccine.

Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 and older. It remains highly effective for at least four years after vaccination.

Adults with weakened immune systems may receive Shingrix starting at age 19. This includes people with HIV, cancer, or those taking medicines that suppress the immune system.

The two doses should be given 2-6 months apart. People can receive Shingrix even if they've had shingles before, as the disease can recur.

Adults who should prioritize Shingrix:

• All adults age 50 years and older

• Adults with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease

• People taking medications that weaken immunity

• Adults who had chickenpox as children

Making Sense of the Adult Immunization Schedule

The CDC's adult immunization schedule provides clear steps for healthcare providers and patients to determine which vaccines are needed. The schedule divides recommendations by age groups and medical conditions, while also addressing timing for booster doses and missed childhood vaccines.

How to Read and Use the CDC Recommended Schedule

The CDC immunization schedule uses a systematic approach with specific tables and resources. Healthcare providers follow five key steps when making vaccine recommendations.

Table 1 shows vaccines needed by age groups for adults 19 years or older. This table lists routine vaccines that most healthy adults should receive at certain ages.

Table 2 identifies additional vaccines based on medical conditions or risk factors. Adults with diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems may need extra protection.

The schedule includes detailed notes about vaccine types and dosing. These notes explain how often to get vaccines and spacing between doses.

An appendix lists when vaccines should not be given. Some people cannot receive certain vaccines due to allergies or health conditions.

Healthcare providers also check for new guidance updates. The CDC updates recommendations as new research becomes available.

Understanding Age-Based and Risk-Based Recommendations

Age-based recommendations apply to all healthy adults in specific age groups. Adults 19-26 years old need different vaccines than those 65 years and older.

Young adults may need vaccines like HPV if they missed them during childhood. Adults 50 and older should get the shingles vaccine.

Everyone 19 years or older needs an annual flu shot. Adults also need a Tdap booster every 10 years for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

Risk-based recommendations depend on individual health conditions and lifestyle factors. Adults with chronic conditions often need additional protection.

People with diabetes should get pneumonia vaccines earlier than healthy adults. Those with weakened immune systems may need different vaccine schedules.

Travel, occupation, and living situations also affect vaccine needs. College students and healthcare workers face different disease risks.

Booster Doses and Catch-Up Vaccination

Many adult vaccines require booster doses to maintain protection. The immune system's response weakens over time for some vaccines.

Tdap boosters are needed every 10 years. COVID-19 boosters follow updated CDC guidance based on current variants.

Catch-up vaccination helps adults who missed childhood vaccines. Many adults lack complete protection from diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella.

Adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles due to natural exposure. Those born after need two MMR doses if they lack proof of vaccination.

Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be given to adults who never received them. These vaccines prevent serious liver infections.

Healthcare providers check vaccination records to identify gaps. Blood tests can show immunity levels for some diseases when records are unclear.

Tracking, Access, and Overcoming Barriers to Adult Vaccination

Many adults face challenges keeping track of their vaccination history and accessing recommended vaccines. Healthcare providers play a key role in identifying missing vaccines and addressing barriers that prevent adults from staying up-to-date on immunizations.

Keeping and Accessing Your Vaccine Records

Adults often struggle to maintain complete immunization records throughout their lives. Unlike children who receive vaccines through school systems, adults must take personal responsibility for tracking their vaccination history.

Personal vaccine records should include dates of all vaccines received, including childhood immunizations. Adults can request copies from previous healthcare providers, schools, or employers who may have vaccination requirements.

Many states use immunization information systems to track vaccines given by different providers. These electronic databases help healthcare workers access vaccination records even when patients switch doctors or move to new areas.

Adults without vaccination records may need blood tests to check immunity levels. This helps determine which vaccines they need without unnecessary repeat doses.

Improving Vaccination Coverage and Rates

Only about 25% of adults stay current with recommended vaccines. Several factors contribute to low vaccination coverage among adults.

Cost barriers prevent many adults from getting vaccines. Some insurance plans do not cover all adult vaccines, making them expensive out-of-pocket expenses.

Access challenges include limited clinic hours, long wait times, and lack of nearby vaccination sites. Rural communities often have fewer healthcare options.

Retail pharmacies now offer many adult vaccines, making them more convenient to access. Mobile clinics and health fairs also bring vaccines directly to communities with low vaccination rates.

Financial assistance programs provide free vaccines for uninsured adults. The Vaccines for Children program helps eligible families access childhood vaccines at reduced costs.

Discussing Vaccination With Your Health Care Provider

Healthcare providers serve as the most trusted source of vaccine information for adults. They can review immunization history and recommend needed vaccines based on age, health conditions, and risk factors.

Adults should bring vaccination records to medical appointments when possible. This helps providers identify gaps in immunization coverage and avoid duplicate vaccines.

Quality measures help providers track which vaccines patients have received and identify missed opportunities. Electronic health records can send reminders about due vaccines during routine visits.

Patients should ask specific questions about recommended vaccines for their age group and health status. Providers can address safety concerns and explain benefits of staying current with adult immunizations.

Regular discussions about vaccination needs help ensure adults receive protection against preventable diseases throughout their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adults often have questions about catch-up vaccinations, new vaccine recommendations, and how their changing health needs affect their immunization schedule. Understanding booster timing and travel requirements helps adults stay properly protected.

What vaccines are recommended for adults who missed childhood immunizations?

Adults who missed childhood vaccines typically need MMR, Tdap, varicella, and hepatitis B to achieve full protection.

Are there any new vaccines that have been introduced for adults in recent years?

Recent additions include updated COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines for older adults, and improved pneumococcal vaccines like PCV20 and PCV21.

What are the recommended intervals for booster shots in adults?

Tdap boosters are needed every 10 years, flu vaccines annually, and COVID-19 boosters as recommended based on current guidelines.

How do changes in health status or age affect the adult immunization schedule?

Adults with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease need additional vaccines, while those over 65 require pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

What vaccinations are required for international travel for adults?

Travel vaccines vary by destination but commonly include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis depending on the region.

How can adults find out which vaccines they need and if they are up-to-date?

Adults can check with their healthcare provider, review their vaccination records, or consult the CDC's adult immunization schedule for current recommendations.