Advertisement

7 essential adult vaccines you need to know about

Vaccines save lives. Find out if you’re on schedule to get yours.

Updated on June 4, 2024

a young Black woman receives a bandage from her healthcare provider after receiving a vaccination
1 / 9

With the spotlight often on childhood vaccines, it’s a common misconception that adults are fully protected. 

But there are several vaccines that most people need at specific times throughout adulthood, says Richard Levine, MD, a family medicine physician with Virtua Health in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Read on to learn when you need these shots—and why they’re so important.

flu shot calendar
2 / 9
Flu vaccine

When to get it: Once a year, between September and January (but it’s okay to get it later if you miss that window). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the best time to get it is by the end of October.

Why it matters: “Even if you’re young and healthy, the flu can knock youShow More

An Image
3 / 9
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine

When to get it: You should have had your first Tdap around age 11 or 12. If you didn’t, tell your healthcare provider (HCP) so you can receive it right away. Then, get a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years after your initial Tdap.

If you’re pregnant, you should get vaccinated,Show More

woman with a few chickenpox
4 / 9
Chickenpox vaccine

When to get it: Typically, the first dose is given between 1 and 2 years of age and the second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age. If you never received it—the vaccine was only introduced in 1995—and you’ve never had the chickenpox, you should receive two doses, at least 28 days apart.

WhyShow More

mature man receiving shingles vaccine
5 / 9
Shingles vaccine

When to get it: Two shots at age 50, two to six months apart. The CDC specifically recommends the shingles vaccine Shingrix. People should get it even if they’ve had shingles before or received the previous version of the vaccine. People who are 19 years or older can also get the vaccine if theyShow More

An Image
6 / 9
Pneumonia vaccine

When to get it: After age 65. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for children under the age of 5. If you smoke, get the Pneumovax23 vaccine between ages 19 and 64. You might be eligible for the vaccine if you’re at high risk for pneumonia due to a chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, HIV, orShow More

An Image
7 / 9
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)

When to get it: Children should get one dose between 12 and 15 months and another between ages 4 and 6 years. If not, at least one dose should be taken as an adult if you were born later than 1956 (unless you know you’ve had all three of the diseases it covers).

Why it matters: Measles, mumps, andShow More

An Image
8 / 9
Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine

When to get it: The ideal time to receive the HPV vaccine is between ages 9 and 12. The younger you complete this three-dose vaccine series, the more effective it’s likely to be. If you miss that window, it’s approved for everyone until age 26, though receiving it at older ages may not be asShow More

An Image
9 / 9
Some people need extra protection

COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness and death from the infection. The CDC advises that all adults and children older than 6 months should stay up-to-date on the latest vaccines for their age group. 

When it comes to vaccines, there are exceptions to every recommendation.Show More

Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked influenza (flu) questions: 2022-2023 season. Published November 21, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (flu): Disease Burden of Flu. Last reviewed October 4, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine information statement. Published August 6, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Pertussis: Summary of Vaccine Recommendations. Page last reviewed January 22, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy and Vaccination: Vaccines for Family and Caregivers. Page last reviewed November 9, 2021.
Piedmont.org. When to get a tetanus shot after an injury. Accessed December 8, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus. Page last reviewed May 13, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus: Tetanus Vaccination. Page last reviewed May 13, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria. Page last reviewed September 9, 2022.
Medicare.gov. Tdap shots. Accessed December 8, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox vaccination: What everyone should know. Published April 28, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox (Varicella): Complications. Last reviewed April 28, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal vaccination: What everyone should know. Published January 24, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Pneumococcal Vaccination: Summary of Who and When to Vaccinate. Page last reviewed January 24, 2022.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Pneumonia: Causes and Risk Factors. Last updated on March 24, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles vaccination: What everyone should know. Published May 24, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Published January 26, 2021.
University of Michigan. Measles, Mumps, & Rubella. Accessed December 9, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola): For Healthcare Providers. Page last reviewed November 5, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mumps: Complications of Mumps. Page last reviewed March 8, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella (German Measles, Three-Day Measles). Page last reviewed December 31, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine. Published July 23, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19: Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines. Updated November 1, 2022.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. HPV Vaccine Age Limit: You Might Not Be Too Old — What You Should Know. June 23, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. Page last reviewed July 22, 2021.

More On

My Story: Kimberly and shingles

video

My Story: Kimberly and shingles
Kimberly shares her experience with shingles, including the physical and emotional impacts. Learn why she advocates for the shingles vaccine.
Understanding the mumps: symptoms, treatment, and prevention

article

Understanding the mumps: symptoms, treatment, and prevention
Learn about symptoms, treatment, and how to safeguard against being infected.
Myth or fact: 6 things you need to know about vaccines

slideshow

Myth or fact: 6 things you need to know about vaccines
No, immunizations aren't linked to autism.
Simple and healthy snacks to enjoy while working from home

video

Simple and healthy snacks to enjoy while working from home
Working from home can allow for excessive snacking but here are ten simple and healthy snacks to enjoy throughout the workday -- in moderation of cour...
6 things parents should know about the MenB vaccine

video

6 things parents should know about the MenB vaccine
The MenB vaccine is not usually part of routine vaccinations but some colleges and universities require it. Learn more about this vaccine to protect a...