Vaccinations for Adults: Which Ones Are Typically Recommended and When
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In this article
A factual overview of common adult vaccines, the general schedule most health authorities suggest, and why boosters matter beyond childhood.
Why Adult Vaccinations Matter
Many adults assume vaccines are primarily a childhood concern, but immunity can wane over time, and some diseases pose greater risks as people age. Public health authorities, including the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), publish updated adult immunization schedules each year to reflect current evidence on which vaccines are recommended and when.
Staying current with vaccinations is one of the most cost-effective forms of preventive care available. It protects not only the individual but also people around them — including those who cannot safely receive certain vaccines, such as newborns or immunocompromised individuals. For a broader look at how vaccinations fit into a lifelong preventive care plan, see our decade-by-decade preventive care overview.
| Recommended annual vaccine | Influenza (flu) — every year (CDC Adult Immunization Schedule) |
| Tetanus booster frequency | Every 10 years (Td); Tdap once if not previously received (CDC / ACIP guidelines) |
| Shingles vaccine age threshold | Recommended from age 50 onward (2-dose series) (CDC Adult Immunization Schedule) |
| Pneumococcal vaccine | Generally recommended at age 65+; earlier for high-risk adults (CDC / ACIP guidelines) |
| HPV vaccine age range | Routinely through age 26; shared decision-making ages 27–45 (CDC Adult Immunization Schedule) |
| Schedule source | CDC and ACIP publish updated adult schedules annually (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) |
Commonly Recommended Vaccines for Adults
The following vaccines are among those most frequently recommended for adults in the United States, though individual needs vary based on age, health status, occupation, and prior vaccination history. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Influenza (Flu)
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for virtually all adults. The influenza virus changes each season, so a new vaccine is formulated each year to match circulating strains. Timing matters — vaccination is generally advised before flu season peaks, often in early autumn.
Tdap and Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get one, followed by a Td booster every 10 years. Adults who are pregnant are typically advised to receive Tdap during each pregnancy, regardless of prior vaccination history.
COVID-19
The CDC recommends that all adults stay current with updated COVID-19 vaccines, with specific schedules varying based on vaccine history and health status. Guidance is updated as new variants emerge and vaccine formulations evolve.
Shingles (Zoster)
The recombinant zoster vaccine is generally recommended for adults aged 50 and older in a two-dose series, even for those who previously had shingles or received an older vaccine version. Shingles risk and severity tend to increase with age.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against serious bacterial infections including pneumonia. Adults aged 65 and older are generally advised to receive pneumococcal vaccination; younger adults with certain chronic conditions may also be candidates.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
The HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 for all adults who were not previously vaccinated. For adults aged 27–45, vaccination decisions are made on an individual basis in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Hepatitis A and B
These vaccines are recommended for adults who were not vaccinated in childhood, as well as for those with specific risk factors such as liver disease, certain travel destinations, or occupational exposures.
Factors That Affect Your Schedule
No single schedule fits every adult. Several factors can shift which vaccines are recommended and how often:
- Age: Certain vaccines, like the shingles vaccine, are specifically targeted to older adults.
- Chronic conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and immunocompromising conditions can increase susceptibility to vaccine-preventable illnesses. See preventive care considerations for people with chronic conditions for more context.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals have specific vaccination recommendations to protect both themselves and their newborns.
- Occupation and lifestyle: Healthcare workers, travelers, and people in close contact with vulnerable populations may need additional vaccines.
- Travel: International travel can require vaccines not on a standard adult schedule, such as typhoid or yellow fever. Always verify entry and health requirements with official government sources before travel.
Your annual wellness visit is a practical time to review your vaccine status. A guide to what your annual wellness visit covers can help you prepare the right questions to ask your provider. If you prefer a structured tracking approach, the adult health screenings checklist includes vaccination milestones alongside other recommended preventive steps.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaccination needs vary by individual. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your age, health history, and circumstances.
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Health Editorial Team
Health Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.
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