No age limit for vaccinations

Vaccinations aren’t just for kids anymore. New vaccines for adults, like Zoster, have become available. Also, the protection afforded by shots or from having had the illness can diminish with time. Below are general recommendations for adults, but can vary because of lifestyle, health status or occupation. Check with your doctor to determine the best schedule for you.

19-26 years old

• Yearly flu shot
• Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/pertussis) — 1 dose if not already received
• Td (tetanus/diptheria) every 10 years after 1 dose of Tdap
• HPV (human papillomavirus) — 3 doses – if not already received

27 – 49 years old

• Yearly flu shot
• Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/pertussis) — 1 dose if not already received
• Td (tetanus/diptheria) every 10 years after 1 dose of Tdap

50 – 64 years old

• Yearly flu shot
• Zoster (Shingles) – 1 dose*
• Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/pertussis) — 1 dose if not already received
• Td (tetanus/diptheria) every 10 years after 1 dose of Tdap

65+ years old

• Yearly flu shot
• Zoster (Shingles) — I dose (if not already received)
• Pneumococus (pneumonia) — 1 dose
• Tdap (tetanus/diptheria/pertussis) — 1 dose if around young children and if not already received
• Td (tetanus/diptheria) every 10 years after 1 dose of Tdap

*Although the Food and Drug Administration approved the Zoster vaccine for people 50 and older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend it for those 60 and older.

Those who have missed vaccines typically given when younger, such as chickenpox or measles, are advised to get catch-up vaccinations. People of high risk – those with chronic illnesses or risky sexual behavior may require additional protection from hepatitis A and B and meningitis. Some vaccinations are not recommended for adults with certain medical conditions. For more detailed information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule-easy-read.pdf.