Why Vaccination Doesn't Stop at 18
Many adults carry a quiet assumption that vaccines are something taken care of in childhood — a series of shots before kindergarten that simply need not be revisited. In reality, adult immunisation is an ongoing part of preventive health, and skipping it carries real risks.
There are three main reasons adults continue to need vaccines. First, immunity wanes: protection from certain childhood vaccines diminishes over years or decades. Second, some vaccines weren't part of earlier schedules — either because the vaccines didn't exist yet or because the diseases they target become more dangerous with age. Third, individual circumstances like pregnancy, new health conditions, or international travel can introduce new immunisation needs.
For a broader view of how preventive health priorities shift across adulthood, see our comprehensive overview of preventive care across the lifespan.
49,000+
Adults estimated to die annually from vaccine-preventable diseases
According to CDC estimates, tens of thousands of U.S. adults die each year from diseases for which vaccines are available.
~50%
Adults who received a flu vaccine in a recent season
CDC flu vaccination coverage data consistently shows that roughly half of U.S. adults get the annual flu shot, leaving a significant portion unprotected.
1 in 3
People who will develop shingles in their lifetime
The CDC estimates approximately one in three people in the United States will develop shingles, with risk rising sharply after age 50.
Core Vaccines Most Adults Should Know About
The following vaccines are among those most commonly recommended for adults in the United States, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is general information — a healthcare provider can advise on what's appropriate for your individual situation.
Influenza (Flu)
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for virtually all adults. Influenza can cause serious illness, hospitalisation, and death — risks that increase with age and underlying health conditions.
Tdap / Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
A one-time Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults who haven't received it, followed by a Td booster every 10 years. Tdap is particularly important for anyone who will be around newborns, since whooping cough (pertussis) can be life-threatening for infants.
COVID-19
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended annually for most adults, with higher priority for older adults and those with certain health conditions. Recommendations are updated periodically as new variants emerge.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia and meningitis. They are recommended for adults 65 and older and for younger adults with specific health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
Shingles (Shingrix)
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older, given in two doses. Shingles — caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus — can cause severe pain and complications, and risk increases significantly with age.
Vaccines Tied to Life Stage or Circumstances
Beyond universal recommendations, some vaccines apply specifically to certain groups or life situations.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV vaccination is recommended through age 26 for all adults who weren't vaccinated as adolescents. For adults aged 27–45, the decision should be made in conversation with a healthcare provider, as benefit varies based on prior exposure.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis B vaccination is now recommended for all adults up to age 59, and for adults 60 and older based on individual assessment. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travelers to certain regions, people with liver disease, and others with specific risk factors.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal vaccines may be recommended for college students living in dormitories, military recruits, and people without a functioning spleen, among other groups.
Travel Vaccines
Traveling internationally can introduce exposure to diseases uncommon in the U.S. Yellow fever, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis are examples of vaccines that may be needed depending on destination and activities. A travel medicine clinic or provider can advise several weeks before departure.
Plan Travel Vaccines Well in Advance
Some travel vaccines — such as the Japanese encephalitis series or the full typhoid course — require multiple doses spaced weeks apart. Aim to visit a travel medicine provider or your primary care physician at least four to six weeks before international travel to ensure adequate protection. Check official government travel health advisories for destination-specific requirements.
Talking to Your Provider and Staying Up to Date
The best starting point for adult immunisation is a conversation with a primary care provider. They can review your vaccination history, check for gaps, and account for any chronic conditions, medications, or life circumstances that affect which vaccines are appropriate for you.
It's worth noting that immunisation records from childhood aren't always complete or accessible. If you're unsure what you've received, a provider can often run a blood test (called a titer test) to check for existing immunity, or may simply recommend re-vaccination for certain diseases — which is generally safe.
Vaccines fit naturally within a broader preventive health routine. Our guide to screening tests by age covers other checkpoints worth discussing at your annual visit.
This article provides general health information and education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance on vaccines and other health decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Immunity from some childhood vaccines wears off over time, and certain diseases pose greater risks to adults than children. New recommendations also emerge as vaccines are developed for conditions like shingles that are more common in older adults.
The Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster is generally recommended every 10 years for adults. One of those boosters should be Tdap, which also protects against pertussis (whooping cough), particularly important for those in contact with infants.
Yes. Influenza viruses mutate rapidly, and the annual vaccine is reformulated each season to match circulating strains. Annual vaccination is the single most effective way to reduce flu-related illness and complications.
Older adults are typically advised to discuss flu, pneumococcal, shingles (Shingrix), and updated COVID-19 vaccines with their provider. Higher-dose or adjuvanted flu formulations may also be recommended for this age group.
Some vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy, such as Tdap and the flu shot, to protect both the parent and newborn. Others are not advised during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals should consult their obstetrician for personalised guidance.
Vaccines are available from primary care providers, pharmacies, public health clinics, and community health centres. Many insurance plans cover recommended vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost under preventive care benefits.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.