The vaccines recommended for adults over age 19 vary from those for children.
Some are given yearly, while others are recommended at specific ages.
Side effects are generally mild if they occur.
FG Trade / Getty Images
FG Trade / Getty Images
Why Are Vaccines for Adults Important?
Vaccines can be highly effective.
What Factors Affect Vaccine Recommendations?
Adults should receive a Tdap vaccine if they didn’t receive a Tdap shot previously.
Adults should receive a Tdap or Td boosterevery 10 years.
Different formulations of the influenza vaccine injection (flu shot) include egg-free and preservative-free ones.
Some are formulated toprotect older adults betterby triggering a stronger immune response.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Adults shouldstay up-to-datewith vaccine recommendations to protect against serious illness from the circulating COVID-19 variants.
People with a weakened immune system may need additional doses.
People who recently had a COVID-19 infection can consider waiting three months before receiving an updated vaccine.
If you have questions, talk to a healthcare provider about which COVID-19 shots they recommend.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Thehepatitis B vaccineprotects against hepatitis B, a virus that inflames the liver.
It is optional for those aged 60 and over without risk factors.
It can have serious complications.
Vaccination is given as a two-dose series, between two and six months apart.
Shingrix may also be given to adults 19 and over who have a weakened immune system.
Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if it is recommended for you if you are not yet 50.
Other Vaccinations
Adults may receive other vaccinations depending on their health risks or previous vaccination status.
Contact your state health department to inquire.
This can prevent unnecessary repeat vaccine doses.
Discuss your situation with a healthcare provider.
Summary
Vaccinations prevent serious diseases and also help protect others from acquiring diseases from you.
Talk with your healthcare provider to be sure you are up to date on your vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What vaccines are recommended for you.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Possible side effects from vaccines,
Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccines work.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tdap (Tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing seasonal flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Live attenuated influenza vaccine [LAIV] (the nasal spray flu vaccine).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pneumococcal vaccination: what everyone should know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccination for older adults 60 years of age and over.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV vaccine guidance for pregnant people.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccine recommendations before, during, and after pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with your vaccine records.
