Becoming an adult means leaving behind the trappings of our youth, but immunizations are not necessarily one of them. Many of the vaccinations we had as children need to be repeated as adults to maintain proper immunity. And just as adulthood brings a new set of responsibilities, being an adult can also require a new set of immunizations.
Why Do You Need Adult Immunizations?
Many of the vaccines we received as children to create immunities to infectious diseases last a lifetime, but not all of them. For example, tetanus and diphtheria vaccines need to be updated with a new vaccine and then with booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity. There are other reasons why adult immunizations may be necessary:
- Some adults never received immunizations as children.
- Vaccine recommendations and vaccines change over the years. Certain vaccines may not have been available when some adults were children.
- Immunity can fade over time.
- As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections like the flu.
- As an adult, we may work in the health care field or other profession that puts us at risk for contact with infectious diseases.
Which Adult Immunizations Do You Need?
New adult vaccine guidelines were released in late 2024. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends:
The 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine (1-2 doses) for adults ages 19-64 and 2 or more doses for adults ages 65 and older
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adults ages 27-45; vaccination is also recommended for males through age 26 who have sex with men and for those whose immune system may be compromised.
The trivalent flu vaccine (1 dose)
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for immunocompromised adults and those ages 75 and older
The Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)vaccine (1 dose every 10 years); women receive 1 dose of Tdap for each pregnancy; and for wound management
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine (1-2 doses) for adults born after 1957
The chickenpox vaccine (2 doses) for adults born after 1980 and immunocompromised adults
The shingles vaccine (2 scheduled doses) for immunocompromised adults and adults ages 50 and older
The pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumonia, for immunocompromised adults and adults ages 50 and older
The hepatitis A vaccine (2-4 doses) for immunocompromised adults
The hepatitis B vaccine (2-4 doses) for adults ages 19-50 and for immunocompromised adults ages 50 and older
The meningococcal vaccine (1-2 doses) for adults ages 19-23 and for immunocompromised adults
Adult Immunizations and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important that you make sure your adult immunizations are current. A child's first set of immunities is often passed on from the mother, and more importantly, contracting certain infectious diseases -- such as rubella -- while pregnant greatly increases a child's risk of birth defects.
The benefits of vaccinating pregnant women usually outweighs the risks of the vaccine, says the CDC. Risks to a developing fetus from a vaccine are largely theoretical, while risks to a fetus from an infectious disease contracted by the mother are well documented.
All women who are pregnant need to talk with their doctor about getting a flu shot and about getting the Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and should be given during the third trimester of each pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider before being vaccinated with a live virus vaccine, such as chickenpox, measles, or the LAIV flu vaccine. If possible, avoid live virus vaccinations during pregnancy or right before pregnancy since live virus vaccines can increase the risk of transmitting the disease to the fetus. If you're considering becoming pregnant and need a live virus vaccine, wait at least four weeks after vaccination before trying to get pregnant.
People who are pregnant have a greater chance of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. Having COVID-19 during pregnancy also raises the risk of complications, including preterm birth. So far, research shows that it's safe to get any of the COVID-19 vaccines. The ACIP suggests that people who are pregnant be vaccinated against the virus.
