Vaccines are not just for children. Adults need certain vaccines throughout life to maintain protection against preventable diseases, and the recommendations can change based on age, medical conditions, occupation, travel, pregnancy, and previous vaccination history.
Knowing the adult vaccines you need can be difficult when you cannot remember which shots you received years ago or whether a particular vaccine requires a booster. Some vaccines are recommended for nearly everyone, while others become especially important as you get older or develop certain health conditions.
The good news is that you do not have to figure out your entire vaccination history alone. A primary care provider can review your records, identify gaps, and help you follow an appropriate wellness and primary care plan.
Note: Vaccine recommendations can change. The checklist below reflects current U.S. CDC adult guidance available in 2026 and should be personalized by a healthcare professional based on your health history. CDC
Why Adult Vaccination Still Matters
Immunity from childhood vaccines does not always last forever, and some vaccines are specifically recommended later in life. Adults may also develop new risk factors that make certain infections more serious.
The CDC’s adult immunization schedule covers routine vaccines as well as vaccines recommended because of medical conditions or other circumstances. Providers are advised to review age, medical history, previous vaccine doses, and special indications when determining which vaccines an adult needs. CDC
This means there is no single vaccination list that applies identically to every adult. Your personal adult vaccination schedule should be based on your circumstances.
Ages 19–26: Catch Up on the Basics
Your late teens and twenties are an important time to make sure you are caught up on vaccines that may have been missed during adolescence.
The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended through age 26 for people who were not adequately vaccinated earlier. Depending on the age when the series was started, two or three doses may be required. Adults ages 27 through 45 may also discuss HPV vaccination with a healthcare professional under shared clinical decision-making. CDC
You should also make sure you are up to date on Tdap or Td vaccination. Adults should receive a Tdap dose if they have not previously received one as an adult, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. Tdap is also recommended during every pregnancy. CDC
Depending on your vaccination history and risk factors, you may also need hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, meningococcal, or other vaccines.
Ages 27–49: Review, Don’t Assume
People in their thirties and forties sometimes assume that once childhood vaccines are complete, no further review is necessary. That can leave important gaps.
An annual vaccination review can help determine whether you are due for a tetanus booster, need to complete a hepatitis B series, or qualify for another vaccine based on your health or lifestyle.
Hepatitis B vaccination is routinely recommended for adults through age 59. Adults age 60 and older may also receive hepatitis B vaccination, particularly when risk factors are present, and adults in that age group who request vaccination can receive the series. CDC
Your healthcare provider may also consider travel, occupational exposure, chronic medical conditions, and previous vaccination history.
For people who want to stay proactive about preventive care, an annual wellness visit is a practical opportunity to review your vaccination history along with screenings and other preventive needs.
Take charge of your health with a yearly wellness visit focused on prevention,
early detection, and personalized care for a healthier future.
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Ages 50–64: Watch for Major Age-Based Vaccines
Your fifties are when several important adult vaccines move higher on the checklist.
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older. CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine, commonly known as Shingrix, generally separated by two to six months. Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems may also need the two-dose series. CDC
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. It can lead to a painful rash and, in some people, long-lasting nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of shingles and its complications. CDC
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccination is another important consideration beginning at age 50 under current CDC guidance.
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults age 50 and older who have not previously received an appropriate pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Vaccination may also be recommended for younger adults with certain medical conditions. Current adult options include PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21, with the specific schedule depending on the vaccine and previous doses. CDC
Because pneumococcal vaccination depends on prior vaccination history, your provider should determine which formulation and schedule are appropriate rather than assuming you need every available dose.
RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
RSV is often associated with young children, but it can also cause serious illness in older adults.
The current CDC recommendation is that everyone age 75 and older receive an RSV vaccine. Adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness should also receive one. Risk can be higher with certain chronic heart or lung conditions, weakened immunity, frailty, and other medical factors. CDC
The RSV vaccine for older adults is generally a one-time vaccination. CDC currently states that adults who have already received an RSV vaccine do not need another dose at this time. CDC
Age 65 and Older: Review Your Protection Carefully
At age 65 and beyond, vaccine planning becomes even more important because the risk of severe complications from several infections increases with age.
Pneumococcal vaccination is particularly important. Adults who have not previously received an appropriate pneumococcal vaccine should discuss the current PCV options with their healthcare provider. CDC
The shingles vaccine remains important because adults age 50 and older should receive the two-dose series if they have not already completed it. CDC
RSV vaccination is recommended for everyone age 75 and older, while adults ages 50–74 may qualify based on increased risk. CDC
Annual influenza vaccination also remains part of routine adult preventive care. Adults should generally receive a flu vaccine every year. CDC
Vaccines You May Need at Any Adult Age
Age is only one part of the equation. Some vaccines may be recommended at almost any adult age depending on individual circumstances.
Tdap/Td vaccination is a good example. Adults should receive Tdap and then Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years, with additional vaccination considerations for wound management and pregnancy. CDC
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, meningococcal, mpox, and other vaccines may also be indicated depending on travel, occupation, medical conditions, vaccination history, or specific exposure risks. CDC
That is why finding an old vaccination card or checking your medical records can be extremely useful before receiving additional doses.
What If You Cannot Remember Your Vaccine History?
Missing records do not necessarily mean you are stuck. CDC guidance states that recommended vaccines can be administered when vaccination history is incomplete or unknown, and vaccine series generally do not need to be restarted because of long intervals between doses. CDC
Your healthcare provider can help determine what documentation is available and whether additional vaccination is appropriate.
For ongoing preventive healthcare, you can learn more about Vitology Health and its approach to primary care and wellness.
Make Your Adult Vaccine Checklist Part of Preventive Care
Keeping track of the adult vaccines you need should be part of your broader healthcare routine rather than something you think about only when an outbreak occurs.
A simple review can help you determine whether you are current on flu vaccination, Tdap/Td boosters, shingles vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, RSV vaccination, and other vaccines that may apply to your age and health history.
If you are in the Colleyville area, Vitology Health’s locations make it easier to find a convenient point of care. You can also review the practice through About Vitology Health or contact the team to discuss preventive care needs.
Vaccination is one part of staying healthy, but it works best alongside regular screenings, healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate medical care. A personalized review can help ensure that your preventive plan changes with you as you age.
Take charge of your health with a yearly wellness visit focused on prevention,
early detection, and personalized care for a healthier future.
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
FAQs
1. What adult vaccines do I need?
The vaccines you need depend on your age, previous vaccination history, medical conditions, pregnancy status, occupation, travel, and other risk factors. Common adult vaccines include influenza, Tdap/Td, shingles, pneumococcal, HPV, hepatitis A and B, and RSV for eligible adults. CDC
2. When should I get the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older as a two-dose series. Adults age 19 and older with certain weakened immune systems may also need the vaccine. CDC
3. Who should get the pneumonia vaccine for adults?
Under current CDC guidance, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults age 50 and older who have not received an appropriate pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as well as younger adults with certain risk conditions. The specific vaccine and number of doses depend on vaccination history and individual circumstances. CDC
4. Who should get the RSV vaccine for older adults?
CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone age 75 and older and for adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. Certain chronic heart or lung conditions and weakened immunity can increase the risk. CDC
5. How often do adults need a Tdap or tetanus vaccine?
Adults should receive a Tdap dose if they have not previously received one as an adult, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. Additional vaccination may be recommended after certain wounds, and Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy. CDC
6. Can I get vaccinated if I do not remember which vaccines I already received?
Your healthcare provider can review available records and determine whether additional vaccination is appropriate. CDC guidance allows recommended vaccines to be administered when vaccination history is incomplete or unknown, and vaccine series generally do not need to be restarted because of long gaps. CDC