Think your need for vaccinations ended with childhood? Think again. Each year people die or are injured by diseases that could've been prevented by basic adult vaccinations.
Which vaccines do you need? That depends on your health, medical history and risk of exposure to various illnesses.
Here's a list of vaccinations you may need as an adult. Talk to your health care provider about what's right for you.
Flu vaccine. Caused by the influenza virus, flu is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that spreads through the air. A yearly flu vaccination is recommended for all adults, especially people with health issues that increase the risk of flu complications.
COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines help protect against severe effects of the highly contagious respiratory virus. Most adults need a primary COVID-19 vaccine series, which is either one or two doses, depending on the brand. Adults also should get booster doses as recommended.
Shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful skin rash that's caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Vaccines are recommended for adults 50 and older. Adults with weakened immune systems may get the vaccine as young as age 19.
RSV vaccine. RSV is a respiratory virus that can be dangerous for older adults. The vaccine is a one-time dose recommended for adults age 75 and older. People ages 60 to 74 may need the vaccine if they are at increased risk of severe RSV. Pregnant people should get vaccinated during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy.
The best time to get the RSV vaccine is late summer and early fall, but it’s available any time.
Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that develops in contaminated wounds. Diphtheria is primarily a bacterial throat infection spread by breathing infected droplets.
A tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot or a tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussus (Tdap) booster shot is recommended with each pregnancy or every 10 years. If you have a deep or dirty wound and your last vaccination was more than 5 years ago, you may need a booster shot.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for adults who may be at increased risk of Hib and haven't previously been vaccinated. This includes people who have sickle cell disease, leukemia or HIV infection, or who've had their spleen removed.
Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that's usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by close personal contact. The vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to places where the disease is prevalent, like Africa and Asia.
The vaccine also is recommended for those who work in a lab conducting hepatitis research. Others at risk are people with chronic liver disease or a clotting-factor disorder, people without homes, those who use illegal drugs, and men who have sex with men.
Hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection. Adults age 59 and younger who weren’t vaccinated in childhood should get the hepatitis B vaccine. Those 60 and older may be vaccinated based on their risk of exposure. The vaccine can be given on its own or as part of a combination shot.
Meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal disease can cause bloodstream infection and an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. Vaccination is recommended for people with HIV and for travelers to certain countries.
Pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, ear infections and meningitis. Most adults 50 and older should receive a pneumococcal vaccine. Adults under 50 may need the vaccine if they have weakened immune systems or other risk factors.