Evidence-based guidance on recommended vaccines for adults.
Adult vaccination is one of the most underutilized preventive health interventions in the United States. While childhood vaccination rates typically exceed 90%, adult vaccination rates for recommended vaccines rarely surpass 50% — and for some vaccines fall below 30%.
Adults need vaccines for three reasons: to maintain immunity that may have waned since childhood, to receive vaccines not available when they were children, and to protect against diseases that are more severe in adults than in children.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes an annual adult immunization schedule. Key recommended vaccines include:
Annual vaccination recommended for all adults. High-dose or adjuvanted formulations recommended for adults 65+. Effectiveness varies by season (40–60% in most years).
Updated booster recommended annually for all adults. Composition updated each year to match circulating variants. Higher-dose options available for adults 65+.
One Tdap dose recommended for adults who have never received it, followed by Td booster every 10 years. Tdap also recommended during each pregnancy.
Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) recommended for all adults 50+, given as a 2-dose series. Approximately 90% effective at preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
PCV15 or PCV20 recommended for all adults 65+ and for younger adults with certain medical conditions. Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
RSV vaccine (Abrysvo or Mresvia) recommended for adults 60+ using shared clinical decision-making. Also recommended during pregnancy (weeks 32–36) to protect newborns.
Certain adults require vaccines beyond the standard schedule:
Adults with HIV, cancer, organ transplants, or immunosuppressive therapy have specific vaccine recommendations — some vaccines are contraindicated while others are especially important. Consult ACIP guidance for specific conditions.
Annual influenza vaccination is required by most healthcare employers. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella immunity should be confirmed.
International travel may require additional vaccines depending on destination: yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and others. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Influenza (any trimester), Tdap (27–36 weeks), RSV (32–36 weeks), and COVID-19 vaccination are recommended during pregnancy. Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) are contraindicated.
Research identifies several key barriers:
Primary care physician or internist office
Pharmacies (most vaccines available without appointment at major chains)
Community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Employer occupational health programs
Travel medicine clinics (for travel-specific vaccines)
Local health departments
Explore vaccine guidance tailored to different age groups and health situations.
Vaccine recommendations and considerations for adults 65 years and older.
Vaccine requirements and recommendations for healthcare professionals.