Wondering what are the most important vaccines for adults? Here are suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control. Always check with your primary care provider before getting inoculated to understand potential interactions and side-effects.
Recommended Vaccines for Most Adults Over 50 1
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster shot every 10 years
- Zoster to vaccinate against shingles
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for immunization against diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections. Recommended for adults with certain health conditions and all adults over age 65.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for inoculation against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Recommended for adults with conditions that weaken or suppress the immune system and who have a cerebrospinal fluid leak or cochlear implant.
Depending on your medical history and other indications, you may also need these vaccines 2:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, Y vaccine
- Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Type-1 or Type-2 Diabetes 3
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
- Zoster to vaccinate against shingles
- Hepatitis B
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Heart Disease, Stroke and Other Cardiovascular Disease 4
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
- Zoster to vaccinate against shingles
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Lung Disease, including Asthma and COPD 5
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
- Zoster to vaccinate against shingles
In addition to these immunizations, you may need other shots depending on your travel habits, lifestyle and other considerations. Discuss your options with your primary care provider or local health department to make sure you’re sufficiently protected.
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Don’t disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of what you read here.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis or treatment; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific questions about any medical matter and seek professional attention immediately if you think you or someone in your care may be experiencing a healthcare condition or medical emergency.
References:
1: Centers for Disease Control – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. March 2, 2021. What Vaccines are Recommended for You
2: Centers for Disease Control – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. March 2, 2021. Table 1. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2021
3: Centers for Disease Control – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. March 2, 2021. Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 and Adult Vaccination
4: Centers for Disease Control – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. March 2, 2021. Heart Disease, Stroke, or Other Cardiovascular Disease and Adult Vaccination
5: Centers for Disease Control – National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. March 2, 2021. Lung Disease including Asthma and Adult Vaccination
