Adult Vaccination
You may not realize you need vaccines throughout your adult life. Vaccines are important to your health and here are three reasons why.
- You may be at risk for serious diseases that are still common in the U.S.
Each year thousands of adults in the United States get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines — some people are hospitalized, and some even die. Even if you got all your vaccines as a child, the protection from some vaccines can wear off over time. You may also be at risk for other diseases due to your age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions. - You can’t afford to get sick.
Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school. If you’re sick, you may not be able to take care of your family or other responsibilities. - You can protect your health and the health of those around you by getting the recommended vaccines.
There are many things you want to pass on to your loved ones; a vaccine preventable disease is not one of them. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to lower the chances of getting certain diseases as well as suffering complications from these diseases. Vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect your health.
Attend a Vaccination Clinic
The Wellness Coalition is working to increase awareness, confidence, and access for recommended adult vaccines. Part of our work includes partnerships with local entities, including:
- Trusted messengers, including community members, community health workers, healthcare providers, faith-based and nonprofit
leaders, and others to help fight the spread of misinformation - Current and new vaccination providers such as pharmacies and health clinics to attend vaccination clinics where people can ask questions and get access to recommended vaccinations
- Faith-based and nonprofit agencies to provide space for our vaccination events
We plan to add health screenings to the clinics to give people an opportunity to discover the presence of health concerns and to guide people to free or low-cost healthcare and resources. Check below for upcoming clinics.
Recommended Vaccines for Adults
Click a section below to find out if it is recommended for you to get a vaccination for the item listed.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Why should you get this vaccination?
You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19. CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
Where can you get it?
Visit our COVID-19 page for a map of local vaccination providers. To find other COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233. The vaccine is widely available at NHS vaccination centers, medical practices, and some local pharmacies.
More information:
Learn more about COVID-19 here.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the nose and throat. Vaccination provides essential protection against this severe illness.
Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends diphtheria vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. A single booster is typically given along with tetanus and pertussis (Tdap). A combination vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Tdap) contains 2 or more vaccines in a single shot in order to decrease the number of shots given.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Diphtheria can infect the respiratory tract (parts of the body involved in breathing) and skin. Symptoms of diphtheria depend on the body part that is affected. People who are exposed to diphtheria usually start having symptoms in 2–5 days if they get sick. If a doctor thinks you have respiratory diphtheria, they will have you start treatment right away.
Where can you get it?
If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral. These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- Pharmacies
- Workplaces
- Community health clinics
- Health departments
- Other community locations such as schools and religious centers
You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
More information:
Learn more about diphtheria here.
What is the flu?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months and older in the United States should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exception. The flu season generally runs between early October and late February.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Influenza (flu) vaccines (often called “flu shots”) are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, usually in the arm, but there also is a nasal spray flu vaccine.
Where can you get it?
Flu vaccines are offered in many places, such as physician offices, clinics, health departments, drugstores, and university health centers as well as from many employers and even at some schools. Visit our flu page for a map of local vaccination providers.
More information:
Learn more about flu here.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Who should get vaccinated?
- Tdap is primarily for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.
- Pregnant people should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during the early part of the third trimester, to help protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
- Adults who have never received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap.
- Adults should receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td (a different vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis) every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop paroxysms—rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits.
Where can you get it?
If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral. These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- Pharmacies
- Workplaces
- Community health clinics
- Health departments
- Other community locations such as schools and religious centers
You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
More information:
Learn more about pertussis here.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by bacteria living in the upper respiratory tract and can spread to others through coughing or close contact. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages.
Who should get vaccinated?
- People at increased risk for pneumococcal disease include children younger than 5 years old and adults 65 years or older.
- Vaccines are also recommended for people who have long-term health conditions, like heart disease or asthma, those with weakened immune systems, and also people who smoke cigarettes.
- A previous pneumococcal infection will not protect you from future infection, so CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination even for people that have already had pneumococcal disease in the past
Why should you get this vaccination?
Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults. CDC data show more than 47,000 people died from pneumonia in the United States during 2020. Immunizations and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths.
- The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumococcal disease, because without it, it could lead to pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis
- Some people, especially children, can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without being sick and spread it to others
- People at increased risk for pneumococcal disease include children younger than 5 years old and adults 65 years or older
- Different infections can come from pneumococcus bacteria, including pneumonia, meningitis, infections in the blood, middle ear, and the sinuses
- People can get pneumococcal disease more than once
Where can you get it?
- Locations for testing: Urgent cares
- Locations for vaccination: Walgreens, CVS, Publix, Montgomery County Health Department, and community health clinics
More information:
Learn more about pneumonia here.
What is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, which is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Babies and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV.
People are typically infected with RSV for the first time as babies or toddlers, and most children are infected before their second birthday. But sometimes, repeat infections happen throughout life, and people of any age can be infected.
Who should get vaccinated?
Babies, toddlers, and adults ages 60 and older should get an RSV vaccine. Additionally:
- People at increased risk for pneumococcal disease include children younger than 5 years old and adults 65 years or older.
- Vaccines are also recommended for people who have long-term health conditions, like heart disease or asthma, those with weakened immune systems, and also people who smoke cigarettes.
- A previous pneumococcal infection will not protect you from future infection, so CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination even for people that have already had pneumococcal disease in the past
Why should you get this vaccination?
- Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.
- If you are pregnant, you can get an RSV vaccine between 32–36 weeks of pregnancy to protect your infant after birth, or a preventive antibody can be given to your baby after birth.
- People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing
- RSV vaccines help protect adults 60 years and older from severe RSV illness. Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because immune systems weaken with age. Also, certain underlying medical conditions may increase the risk of getting very sick from RSV. Older adults with these conditions may especially benefit from getting the RSV vaccine. If someone you know is 60 and older, it is best for them to talk to their healthcare provider to see if they need an RSV vaccination.
Where can you get it?
- Locations for testing: Urgent cares
- Locations for vaccination: Walgreens, CVS, and Publix
More information:
Learn more about RSV here.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani. When these bacteria enter the body, they produce a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. Another name for tetanus is “lockjaw.” It often causes a person’s neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow.
Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. The first two shots are given at least four weeks apart, and the third shot is given 6 to 12 months after the second shot. After the initial tetanus series, booster shots are recommended every 10 years.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Tetanus infection can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth and having trouble swallowing and breathing.
Where can you get it?
If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral. These vaccines may also be available for adults at:
- Pharmacies
- Workplaces
- Community health clinics
- Health departments
- Other community locations such as schools and religious centers
You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
More information:
Learn more about tetanus here.
What is RZV?
The Zoster Recombinant (RZV) vaccine offers protection against shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older. Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.
- Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months.
- Adults 19 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix. If needed, people with weakened immune systems can get the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first.
Why should you get this vaccination?
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. This virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
- About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in their lifetime.
- An estimated 1 million people get shingles each year in this country.
- If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you can get shingles. Even children can get shingles.
- Your risk of shingles increases as you get older.
The vaccine also helps to prevent nerve pain that can follow shingles.
- There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
- If you had shingles in the past, Shingrix can help prevent future occurrences of the disease.
- There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix, but generally you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated.
Where can you get it?
If your doctor does not have these vaccines for adults, ask for a referral. These vaccines may also be available for adults at pharmacies.
More information:
Learn more about RZV here.
Vaccinations by Age
Click a section below to find out which vaccinations you should get based on your age.
Vaccines you need:
All adults ages 19 to 26 years should make sure they’re up to date on these vaccines:
- Chickenpox vaccine (varicella)
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Flu vaccine (influenza)
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria)
You may need other vaccines, too:
You may need other vaccines based on your age or other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. These may include:
- MenB vaccine (meningococcal disease) – for adults up through 23 years of age
Insurance coverage:
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans that cover children allow parents to add or keep children on the health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. For more information, see How to get or stay on a parent’s plan.
Vaccines you need:
All adults ages 19 to 26 years should make sure they’re up to date on these vaccines:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Flu vaccine (influenza)
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria)
You may need other vaccines, too:
You may need other vaccines based on your age or other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. These may include:
- Chickenpox vaccine (varicella)
- HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
Vaccines you need:
As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. All adults ages 65 and older should make sure they’re up to date on these vaccines:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Flu vaccine (influenza)
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Shingles vaccine (zoster)
- Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria)
You may need other vaccines, too:
You may need other vaccines based on your age or other factors, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. These may include:
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – adults aged 60 years or older should talk to their healthcare provider about getting a single dose of RSV vaccine
Handouts
- 3 Important Reasons for Adults to Get Vaccinated
- What You Need to Know About COPD, Asthma, and Adult Vaccinations
- What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Adult Vaccinations
- What You Need to Know About Heart Disease and Adult Vaccinations
- Healthcare Providers: What You Need to Know About Shingles and the New Shingles Vaccine