Vaccinations keep your immune system strong by helping your body fight off bacteria that cause infections and potentially life-threatening diseases. Despite popular belief, vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adult vaccines are important, too.
We receive many of our essential immunizations as children, but the protective effects of some vaccines wear off over time. Other vaccines are not indicated until adulthood.
How long a vaccine will protect you depends on:
- What type of vaccine you received
- What virus the vaccine immunizes you against
- How old you were when you received the vaccine
Use these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay on schedule with your adult immunizations.
Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
The influenza virus mutates every season, meaning every person should get the flu vaccine annually. The flu can cause serious harm to people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, COPD and heart disease. The best way to protect yourself and others around you? Get vaccinated every year before flu season begins. Learn more about the flu vaccine.
Td/Tdap (tetanus and diphtheria) Vaccine
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, or manure that enters the body through a cut or wound and can cause painful muscle stiffening and other serious health problems. The vaccine against tetanus is paired with immunizations against other diseases – diphtheria and sometimes whooping cough, both of which spread from person to person and lead to difficulty breathing and possibly death. Adults should receive the Tdap if they did not receive it as a child, and every adult should receive a Td booster every 10 years. Women who are pregnant should get a Tdap booster during the 3rd trimester of every pregnancy.
Shingles Vaccine
Contrary to popular belief, even if you had chickenpox as a child, you can still get shingles in adulthood. The two conditions are caused by the same virus: the varicella zoster virus. The virus may lay dormant in the body for years, then reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles is a painful, itchy rash that oftentimes blisters and will cause a burning sensation. It can present on most areas of the body including your face, torso and in your eyes. The risk of getting shingles increases as you age. The CDC recommends that healthy adults ages 50 and older get two doses of this vaccine, even if they have had shingles in the past. If you are 19 years or older and have a weakened immune system, you should also get the shingles vaccine.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease is an infection that causes pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. It is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can cause serious illness with lifelong complications and even death. There are two variations of this vaccine. You may need one or both, depending on your age, health history, and health conditions. The CDC recommends this vaccine for children under 5 years old and all adults over 65 years old. Your health care provider can recommend the right type of pneumococcal vaccine for you.
Meningococcal Vaccine
The meningococcal bacteria can cause brain damage, limb loss, and deafness. Meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis, is common among college students, international travelers, and military personnel. There are two types of meningococcal vaccines that you can get. You may need one or both, depending on your health conditions.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The CDC recommends that all eligible people get one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States as soon as possible. The vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities against COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID vaccines and the reasons to be vaccinated.
Talk to Your Doctor About Adult Vaccines
Your primary care provider can help you stay on schedule for your recommended vaccines. Your doctor can also tell you if you should avoid any of these vaccines due to allergies, chronic health conditions, pregnancy, and more.
Medically reviewed by Nika Bitsko, CRNP. Updated January 27, 2023.
