Boost Your Health with Primary Care Vaccination Tips
Vaccines aren't just for kids. As we get older, our immune systems get weaker, and some infections that feel like a bad cold for a young person can send an older adult to the hospital. The good news? Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to stay healthy. This guide walks through the shots that doctors in the United States recommend for adults, based on the yearly schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Keep in mind: the exact shots you need depend on your age, your health conditions, your job, and which vaccines you've already had. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make a plan that fits you.
Vaccines almost every adult should get
Flu (influenza) vaccine — every year
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year, ideally in the fall before flu season starts. Adults 65 and older should ask for one of the "stronger" versions made for older people: the high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant flu vaccine. These give older immune systems an extra boost.
COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adults, with older adults especially encouraged to stay up to date. The number of doses changes over time, so ask your provider what the current recommendation is for your age.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Td and Tdap)
Adults need a tetanus/diphtheria booster (Td or Tdap) every 10 years. If you've never had the whooping cough shot (Tdap) as an adult, you should get it once. Pregnant women should get a Tdap during every pregnancy (between 27 and 36 weeks) to protect the newborn baby. There is no upper age limit for this vaccine.
Vaccines for older adults
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix / RZV) — age 50 and up
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for all adults 50 and older. It is given as 2 shots, spaced 2 to 6 months apart. Even people who had shingles before or got the older shingles vaccine should get it.
Pneumococcal vaccine (protects against pneumonia and more)
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis. A pneumococcal shot (such as PCV20 or PCV21) is recommended for all adults 65 and older who haven't had one, and for younger adults (ages 19–64) who smoke or have conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Depending on which shot you get, your doctor may recommend a follow-up dose.
RSV vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus)
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections in older adults. The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 and older, and for adults 50–74 who have a higher risk because of certain health conditions. It's usually a one-time dose.
Vaccines based on your health, job, or lifestyle
Hepatitis B
This vaccine protects against a virus that damages the liver. It's now recommended for all adults under 60. Adults 60 and older can also get it, especially if they have risk factors like diabetes, kidney disease, or certain jobs or exposures.
Hepatitis A
Recommended for adults with certain risk factors, such as liver disease, travel to areas where the virus is common, or other exposures. It's usually given as 2 shots over 6 to 12 months.
HPV (human papillomavirus)
HPV can cause several types of cancer. The vaccine is recommended for everyone through age 26 who wasn't vaccinated earlier. Some adults ages 27–45 may still benefit and can talk with their doctor about whether it makes sense for them.
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Adults born in 1957 or later who don't have proof of immunity should get at least one dose. This live vaccine is not for people who are pregnant or have a seriously weakened immune system.
Meningococcal vaccine
This protects against a serious infection of the brain and blood. It's recommended for certain adults, such as college students living in dorms, military recruits, people without a working spleen, and travelers to high-risk areas.
The bottom line
The best vaccine plan is a personal one. Bring your vaccine records to your next appointment, and ask your doctor or pharmacist: "Am I up to date on my shots?" A few minutes in the office can save you from a serious illness down the road.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for advice from your own healthcare provider.
If you live in St. George and seek personalized, evidence-based adult healthcare, consider partnering with a primary care provider who accepts Select Health and Medicare. This approach ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.
Taking these steps today can lead to better health tomorrow. Prioritize your well-being with primary care wellness tips and make informed choices that support your future.
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