Adult Immunization Schedule

What immunizations do adults need?

Immunizations help protect you from serious, preventable diseases. Keeping up to date with immunizations helps you stay healthy. As an adult, you need to be immunized against tetanus and diphtheria. Depending on your age and health, you may also need protection against influenza (flu), hepatitis, measles, rubella, chickenpox, or streptococcal (pneumococcal) pneumonia. The shots do not guarantee that you will not get sick with these illnesses, but they make it much less likely. They also reduce the risk of severe infection or death.

When should I get the shots?

The following is the recommended schedule for adult immunizations:

• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis: You should complete a 3-shot series of the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine if you did not get the 3 shots as a child. The second shot is given 4 to 8 weeks after the first shot. The third shot is given 6 to 12 months later. You need a booster shot at least every 10 years. If you have a cut, scrape, bite, puncture wound, or injury needing stitches, you should get a tetanus booster shot if it has been more than 5 years since your last shot or if you do not remember when you last had a shot.

  In October 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a booster shot of Tdap vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for adults who have not had a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster shot in 10 or more years. They recommend a single shot of Tdap to replace a single shot of Td.

• Influenza (flu): If you are older than 50, you should get a flu shot every year. Flu shots are also recommended for people who are younger than 50 if they have a chronic disease or want to avoid the flu. If a woman is planning to become pregnant during the flu season, she should have a flu shot. When there is a shortage of flu vaccine, these recommendations for who should get a shot may change. October is the best time to get the shot. If you think you are allergic to eggs, talk to your health care provider before getting this shot.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia: You should get this shot if you are 65 or older. The shot is also recommended for adults who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart, kidney, or lung problems. Some people may need a second shot. The second shot should be given at least 5 years after the first shot. Ask your provider if the second shot is recommended in your case.

What about other immunizations?

Other shots you may need are:

• Chickenpox (varicella): A series of 2 shots of the varicella vaccine are recommended if you have never had chickenpox. This common childhood disease can be more serious in adults than in children.
• Hepatitis B: The vaccine is given as a 3-shot series. The second shot is given 1 month after the first. The third shot is given 6 months after the first. If you have been exposed to the hepatitis virus, your health care provider will check your level of protection with a blood test. If your level is low, a booster shot is given. Otherwise you will not need another shot. Ask your provider if you need this series of shots.
• Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR): This shot is recommended if you were born after 1956 unless you are immune because you have already had the shot or the diseases. If a woman is not immune to rubella and becomes infected with the measles virus during pregnancy, the baby could also become infected. The infection could cause severe birth defects. Women who have not had rubella and did not get the MMR shot as a child should have the shot before they become pregnant. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 28 days after the shot.
• Meningococcal vaccine: This vaccine protects against meningitis. The American College Health Association recommends that college freshmen, especially those who will live in dorms, get this shot before they start school. Some colleges require it. The shot is also recommended for people who have a weakened immune system or who do not have a spleen.
• Travel-related shots: Travel to some countries requires you to be immunized against typhoid, hepatitis A, and other diseases. The shots you need vary for different countries. Your health care provider or public health department can advise you.

Where can I get the shots?

You can get the shots from your health care provider and at most local health departments.

For more information contact:

National Coalition for Adult Immunization
Phone: 301-656-0003
Web site: http://www.nfid.org/ncai.

Information is also available at your local health department.