Lauren Kelly Do you think vaccines are only for children and older adults? Think again. Staying up to date on your vaccine schedule matters at every age. Staying up to date on your vaccine schedule matters at every age. Healthcare professionals specifically recommend several vaccines for adults, and knowing what they are can help you make informed choices for your health.
Why Do Adults Need Vaccines?
You might wonder why you need vaccines if you’re a healthy young or middle-aged adult. Here are a few good reasons.
Staying up to date on adult vaccines can help you:
- Protect the people around you. This is especially important for babies and older adults in your life, who are more likely to get seriously ill from common illnesses.
- Lower your cancer risk. Some vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, can help prevent certain types of cancer.
- Avoid costly medical visits. Fewer illnesses can mean fewer trips to urgent care or the emergency room.
- Miss fewer workdays. Vaccines lower your risk of getting sick and can make illness less severe if you do get sick.
Which Vaccines Do Adults Need?
Vaccine needs are different for everyone. Your risk depends on things like your age, health conditions, travel plans, and the vaccines you received as a child.
Here’s a general adult immunization schedule, based on guidance from the American Academy of Family Physicians:
General vaccines recommended for anyone 19 and older:
- Flu vaccine. The flu can cause serious health problems, especially for older adults. One dose is recommended every year.
- COVID-19 vaccine. Helps prevent COVID-19 and lowers the risk of severe illness or death. At least 1 dose is recommended for ages 19–26, and at least 2 doses for ages 65 and older.
- Hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B affects the liver. Recommended for all adults ages 19–59, and for adults 60 and older who are at higher risk.
Vaccines where the first dose is recommended in childhood, and boosters are recommended in adulthood:
- Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). Protects against tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria, which can cause breathing problems. An initial dose around age 11 or 12 is followed by a booster every 10 years. It’s also recommended once during each pregnancy.
- HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus). Can help prevent certain cervical, head, and neck cancers caused by HPV. Usually given between ages 9–14, but can be given through age 26. Adults ages 27–45 may also benefit. The vaccine schedule is 2 or 3 doses, depending on your age and vaccine history.
Vaccines that are recommended during pregnancy:
- Flu vaccine. One dose is recommended every year.
- COVID-19 vaccine. At least 1 dose is recommended for ages 19–26, and at least 2 doses for ages 65 and older.
- Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). One dose is recommended once during each pregnancy.
- RSV vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus). A single dose may also be recommended during pregnancy.
Vaccines recommended for adults 50-75 and over:
- Shingles vaccine. Shingles can cause pain that lasts for months or years. It’s recommended for most adults age 50 and older and is given in 2 doses.
- RSV vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus). Recommended for adults age 75 and older, or age 50 and older with certain high-risk health conditions. It may also be recommended during pregnancy.
- Pneumococcal vaccine. Helps prevent serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Recommended for adults 65 and older, or younger adults with certain health conditions.
Other factors like allergies, medications, or your medical history can also affect which vaccines are right for you. Always talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider to decide what’s best for your situation.
How Do I Know If My Vaccines Are Up to Date?
Not sure about your vaccine history? Try these steps:
- Ask a parent or caregiver if they have records of your childhood vaccines.
- Ask your healthcare provider if your records are on file.
- Check with healthcare organizations where you received care as a child, or schools or employers that required vaccination records.
- Look into your state health department’s immunization record system, if one exists; many let healthcare providers access your vaccine history directly.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated, and What Does It Cost?
Vaccine availability can vary by location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check. In general, you can get vaccinated at:
- Local retail pharmacies
- Community health clinics
- Your primary healthcare provider’s office
Most health insurance plans, including all Health Insurance Marketplace plans, are required to cover certain vaccines at no cost to you. If you’re uninsured, check whether your state runs a Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program, which can help cover the cost.
Talk to your healthcare provider at your next visit to find out which vaccines may be right for you.
Resources
Adult Immunization Schedule, Ages 19 and Older- AAFP