Adults

 
 

Adults

Vaccines have significantly reduced deaths from diseases that once claimed the lives of children and adults worldwide. In fact, vaccines currently prevent between 2–3 million deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization.

It’s important to stay up to date on vaccinations to protect yourself and those who aren’t able to get vaccinated due to age or a health condition. Below are recommended vaccines for adults. You should always contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about a vaccine.

Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable to certain diseases by being in large group settings like schools or college dorms. That’s why it’s important to be vaccinated. Below are the vaccine recommendations for teens and young adults.

Vaccine

Recommendation

People at High Risk

Influenza (Flu)

Annually for children and adults, especially those over 65 or with certain medical conditions.

  • Children under 2
  • People ages 65+
  • Pregnant women
  • People who live or work in group settings.
  • People with diabetes, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, HIV, cancer, and other conditions that weaken the immune system.

COVID-19

Recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.

  • People ages 65+
  • Pregnant women
  • People who live or work in group settings.
  • People with diabetes, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, HIV, cancer, and other conditions that weaken the immune system.

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Adults should receive a Tdap booster every 10 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), serious bacterial infections.

  • Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to protect their baby against whooping cough.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine

Adults should get at least one dose if they did not get it as a child. 

  • College students
  • Healthcare workers
  • International travelers

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

Adults who have never had chickenpox or a previous varicella vaccine should get two doses.

  • Newborns (and their caregivers)
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with weakened immune systems from diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, or people taking immunosuppressant drugs.

Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

Two doses are recommended for adults age 50 and older.

  • People over 60 may experience more severe complications from Shingles.
  • Those with weakened immune systems from diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, or people taking immunosuppressant drugs.

Pneumococc
al Vaccines (Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13)

Recommended for adults ages 65 and older, and for younger adults with certain health conditions.

  • People over 65
  • Those with weakened immune systems from diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, or people taking immunosuppressant drugs.
  • People who smoke
  • Those who live in a group environment.

Hepatitis A

Recommended for adults who are at risk for hepatitis A infection

  • Travelers to certain countries
  • People with chronic liver disease

Hepatitis B

Recommended for adults at risk for hepatitis B infection

  • Healthcare workers
  • People with chronic liver disease or
  • HIV

Meningococcal Vaccine

This vaccine protects against meningitis. Routine vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 with a booster at 16.

  • College students living in a dorm
  • People with HIV or other diseases that compromise the immune system.
  • Military members
  • Travelers to certain countries (link to travel section)

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

Protects against high-risk forms of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause certain cancers. Adults aged 27-45 may also be vaccinated based on individual risk factors and discussion with their healthcare provider.

  • Young adults
  • People with multiple sexual partners.
  • People who engage in risky sexual behavior.

Teens and Young
Adults (ages 19 - 26)
Get Vaccinated