Adult Immunization Schedule
What immunizations do adults need?
Pneumonia and influenza are among the top ten causes of death for older adults. Older adults need to be immunized against influenza (flu), pneumococcal pneumonia, tetanus, and diphtheria. Keeping up to date with these shots helps you stay healthy. 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.
The following is the recommended schedule for adult immunizations:
- Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis: Bacteria that enter your
body through a break in the skin can cause tetanus.
Tetanus is a disease that can be fatal, but it is easy to
prevent by keeping up to date on your shots. Diphtheria,
also caused by bacteria, can cause serious problems when
the bacteria release a poison into the bloodstream.
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.
Because of increasing whooping cough (pertussis) outbreaks in the past few years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 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): Flu is a viral infection that causes
symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches and pains,
sore throat, and cough. It is very easily passed from
one person to another. People who get flu may then
develop pneumonia. Many older adults die each year from
complications of flu.
If you are older than 50, you should get a flu shot every year. October is the best time to get the shot. If you think you are allergic to eggs, talk to your healthcare provider before getting this shot.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia: Pneumococcal disease is an
infection caused by a certain type of bacteria. The
bacteria can infect the lungs (causing pneumonia), blood
(causing bacteremia), or the covering of the brain
(causing meningitis). The vaccine does not prevent
pneumonia caused by other types of infection.
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 problems with the heart, kidneys, or lungs. 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.
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 healthcare 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 usually not needed for older adults. Measles was very common before 1957. People born before then are considered immune to measles because they most likely have been exposed to it.
- Zoster (shingles) vaccine: Adults 60 years of age and older should get this shot. The vaccine can help prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The vaccine does not always prevent shingles, but, if you have had the shot and then get shingles, it can reduce the pain caused by the infection.
- HPV vaccine: This new vaccine prevents infection with the 4 most common types of the human papilloma virus that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for females who are 9 to 26 years old. It is best if the vaccine is given before a young woman becomes sexually active. It is a 3-shot vaccine. The second and third shots are given 2 months and 6 months after the first shot.
- 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 healthcare provider or public health department can advise you.
Where can I get the shots?
You can get the shots from your healthcare provider and at most local health departments.
For more information contact:
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Phone: 301-656-0003
Web site: http://www.nfid.org.
Information is also available at your local health department.
