Adult Vaccines

When Do Adults Need Vaccines?

Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job. Don’t leave your healthcare provider’s office without making sure you’ve had all the vaccinations you need.

  • Influenza

    You need a dose every fall (or winter) for your protection and for the protection of others around you.

  • Chickenpox (varicella)

    If you’ve never had chickenpox or were vaccinated but received only 1 dose, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need this vaccine.

  • Hepatitis A

    You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis A infection or if you simply want to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given in 2 doses, 6 to 18 months apart.

  • Hepatitis B

    You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis B infection or if you simply want to be protected from this disease. The vaccine is given in 3 doses, usually over 6 months.

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

    You need this vaccine if you are a woman age 26 years or younger or a man age 21 years or younger. Other men age 22 through 26 who want to be protected from HPV may receive it, too. Men age 22 through 26 years with a risk condition also need vaccination. Check with your healthcare provider. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over 6 months.

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella

    You need at least 1 dose of MMR if you were born in 1957 or later. Many people need a second dose.

  • Meningococcal

    There are different types of meningococcal vaccines that are recommended for use in adults. People of all ages with certain medical conditions should get vaccinated and some should receive booster doses throughout life. These vaccines may be used to protect people during an outbreak of meningococcal disease.

  • Pneumococcal (PCV13 and PCV23)

    Adults age 65 years and older should receive the two types of pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23). You also need 1–2 doses at an earlier age if you smoke cigarettes or have certain medical conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out when and how often you need to be protected from pneumococcal disease.

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP)

    All adults who have not yet received a dose of Tdap, as an adolescent or adult, need to get Tdap vaccine (the adult whooping cough vaccine). Pregnant women need a dose in every pregnancy. After that, you will need a Td booster dose every 10 years. Consult your healthcare provider if you haven’t had at least 3 tetanus- and diphtheria-containing shots sometime in your life or have a deep or dirty wound.

Thanks to our community partners

PHP Foundation
The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
English Bonter Mitchell Foundation