Vaccines for Adults
Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except that:
- Some adults were never vaccinated as children.
- Scientific discoveries are always being made, bringing vaccines into our lives that were not around during our childhood.
- The immunity provided by some of the vaccines received in childhood begins to fade over time.
- Adults become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections as they age (for example, influenza and pneumococcus).
Vaccine for certain populations
Vaccines all adults need
- Influenza
- Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap) or diphtheria-tetanus
Additional vaccines needed
- By those over age 60: Shingles
- By those over age 65: Pneumococcal
Reviewed by: Paul A. Offit, MD
Date: March 2012
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.
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- Parents PACK
- Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers