Information: Adult Vaccines
This summary of preventive vaccines for adults is based on standard recommendations from the CDC, but you should talk to your doctor about what is right for you, especially if you have chronic health conditions, are pregnant, or have other risk factors.
Vaccines for all Adults
Seasonal Flu (Influenza): Recommended for everyone every year to protect against the flu.
Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis): Get one dose of Tdap (which includes whooping cough protection) if you’ve never had it before. After that, get a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years.
Special note for pregnant people: A Tdap shot is recommended during each pregnancy to protect the newborn from whooping cough.
COVID-19: All adults should get the most current version of the COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death
Vaccines recommended based on age or other risk factors
Shingles (RZV/Shingrix): Recommended for healthy adults aged 50 and older. The vaccine is usually given in two doses.
Pneumococcal Disease: Recommended for all adults aged 50 and older. Also recommended for younger adults with certain chronic health conditions.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Recommended for adults aged 60 and older. Special note for pregnant people: A dose is also recommended during late pregnancy (32 to 36 weeks) during RSV season to protect the infant.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for all adults up to age 59 who have not been previously vaccinated. Also recommended for adults aged 60 and older with certain risk factors for hepatitis B.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): If you were born in 1957 or later, you may need at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. This is especially true for college students, healthcare workers, or international travelers who may need a second dose.
Chickenpox (Varicella): If you’ve never had chickenpox or been vaccinated, you should receive two doses. Adults born in the U.S. before 1980 are generally considered immune, except for pregnant people and healthcare workers.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Recommended for all people through age 26, if not already vaccinated. Some adults aged 27 through 45 may also consider vaccination after a discussion with their doctor.
Other vaccines: Depending on your health, job, or travel plans, you may also need vaccines for Hepatitis A, Meningococcal disease, Mpox or other vaccines.
The information is adapted from text generated by Gemini.” Gemini, Google, 22 September 2025 and from OpenAI on 11/18/2025 using “Describe preventive vaccines for adults that are recommended in plain language”
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