Adults Should Keep Up on Vaccines, Too

Somewhere along the way, many of us got the idea that vaccines are a “kids’ thing.”
We remember the lollipops, the cartoon bandaids, and the sticker that said,
“I was brave!” Then we grew up, got busy, and quietly retired from the vaccine game
like it was a childhood hobby.

Spoiler: our immune systems did not get that memo.
Germs still love adults. In fact, as we age or develop health conditions,
we can become more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases,
from flu and COVID-19 to shingles, pneumonia, and whooping cough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a full
adult immunization schedule every year for a reason:
staying up to date on vaccines is a core part of adult preventive care,
not a suggestion for “extra credit.”

The good news? You don’t need to memorize every dose and interval.
You just need to understand the basics, know which shots are especially
important for you, and make vaccines as routine as oil changes and dental cleanings.

Why Vaccines Aren’t Just for Kids

Your immunity doesn’t last forever

Some childhood vaccines offer long-lasting protection, but others fade with time.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) protection wanes, which is why adults
are advised to get a booster every 10 yearsand sooner after a dirty or severe
wound.
Flu strains change every year, which is why the flu shot is annual.
COVID-19 vaccines get updated to better match circulating variants,
and protection decreases over time, so updated doses matter.

Adult life comes with new risks

Being an adult means new jobs, travel, health conditions, pregnancies,
and grandbabies. All of those can change your risk profile. For example:

• Healthcare workers and caregivers are exposed to more germs.
• People with chronic conditions (like heart, lung, kidney disease,
  diabetes, or weakened immune systems) are more likely to get seriously ill
  from flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia.
• Adults who travel or work in certain settings may need
  vaccines like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or others.

Vaccines protect you and your community

Vaccines don’t just protect the person getting the shot.
They also reduce the risk of passing infections to babies,
older adults, immunocompromised friends, and coworkers with
cancer or organ transplants. Public health groups estimate that
vaccines dramatically reduce hospitalizations and deaths from
vaccine-preventable diseasesyet adult vaccination rates remain
well below targets, especially for flu, RSV, and shingles.

In other words, staying up to date on vaccines is part
of being a decent neighbor, not just a cautious patient.

The Core Vaccines Most Adults Should Ask About

The exact recommendations for you depend on your age, health, pregnancy status,
job, and prior vaccine history. Your best move is to bring up vaccines at your
next checkup and review the current CDC adult schedule with your clinician.
But here’s a high-level tour of the “greatest hits” for adults.

1. Flu (Influenza) Vaccine: Every Year

If you only remember one annual shot, let it be the flu vaccine.
CDC recommends a flu shot every flu season for everyone 6 months and older,
with rare exceptions.

Why bother if you “never get sick”? Because flu doesn’t care about your streak.
Each season is different, and severe flu can land even healthy adults in the
hospital. Recent U.S. data suggest flu vaccines typically cut the risk of
medically attended flu in adults by roughly one-third to one-half and reduce
hospitalizations even more.
That’s not perfectionbut if a seatbelt cut your crash risk by 40–60%,
you’d still buckle up, right?

Timing tip: For most adults, getting vaccinated in early fall
(before flu activity spikes) is ideal, but it’s worth getting the shot
later in the season if you missed that window.

2. COVID-19 Vaccines: Staying Up to Date

COVID-19 has moved into a more seasonal pattern, but it’s still very much around.
CDC now recommends a 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine dose for people age 6 months and older
through individual-based (shared) decision-making, with particular emphasis on adults
65+ and those at higher risk of severe disease.

Vaccination continues to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization,
and deatheven for those who have already had COVID-19.
Protection from both vaccination and previous infection wanes over time,
which is why updated doses are recommended.

If it’s been several months since your last COVID shot or infection,
or if you’re older or have chronic conditions, it’s worth a conversation
with your clinician about getting the updated vaccine ahead of the
fall–winter respiratory virus season.

3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap/Td)

Tetanus lives in soil and dust; you don’t catch it from other people,
you “catch” it from life being sharp and dirty. Diphtheria and pertussis
(whooping cough) are contagious and can be serious, especially for infants.

• Adults who never had Tdap: should get a one-time Tdap dose,
  then Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years.
• Pregnant people: should get Tdap during each pregnancy
  (usually weeks 27–36) to pass antibodies to the baby and protect against
  whooping cough in those vulnerable early months.

Yes, it’s the “rusty nail shot.” No, you shouldn’t wait to step on a nail
to update it.

4. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus that gave many of us chickenpox as kids.
That virus hides in your nerve cells for decades and can wake up later
as a painful, blistering rashoften with long-lasting nerve pain called
postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

The recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is a two-dose series recommended
for most adults 50 and older and certain younger adults with weakened immune
systems. Clinical studies show it’s highly effectiveover 90% prevention
of shingles and PHN in older adults, with strong protection lasting several
years.

Translation: Two quick shots now to massively reduce the risk of weeks to months
of burning nerve pain later. That’s a solid trade.

5. Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccines

Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections,
and meningitis. These infections are especially dangerous for older adults
and people with chronic conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes,
or weakened immunity.

Newer conjugate vaccines (such as PCV20) cover more strains and have simplified
the pneumococcal schedule. CDC guidance allows a single dose of a higher-valent
conjugate vaccine (like PCV20) for many adults 50+ or those with certain risk
factors, often without needing the older PPSV23 shot afterward.

Pneumococcal vaccines have been shown to reduce invasive disease and pneumonia
in older adults, and recent real-world data suggest meaningful protection
against invasive pneumococcal disease and all-cause pneumonia hospitalizations.

6. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine

Most people think of RSV as a baby virus, but it can be nasty for older adults too,
leading to tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths
in U.S. adults 65+ each year.

CDC currently recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for:

• All adults age 75 and older.
• Adults 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV
  (for example, chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immunity).

This is not an annual vaccine at this pointjust one dose for most eligible adults,
although recommendations may evolve as more data emerge.

7. Hepatitis B (and Sometimes Hepatitis A)

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19–59, and for adults 60+
with specific risk factors (such as diabetes, chronic liver disease, or high-risk exposures).

For adults with certain travel plans, liver disease, or other risk factors,
hepatitis A vaccine may also be recommended.

8. MMR, Varicella, and HPV: “Did I Ever Get Those?”

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):
  Adults born in 1957 or later generally need proof of immunity or at least one dose of MMR.
  If you’re not sure, your clinician can review your record and may recommend vaccination.
• Varicella (Chickenpox):
  If you never had chickenpox or were never vaccinated, you may need a varicella series.
• HPV:
  HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 if not previously vaccinated,
  and in some cases via shared decision-making up to age 45.

These vaccines protect against diseases that can cause long-term complications,
including certain cancers (HPV) and serious infections in pregnancy (rubella,
varicella).

“Adulting” Your Vaccination Strategy

Step 1: Take inventory

Most adults don’t have a perfect vaccine record handy, and that’s normal.
Start by gathering what you can:

• Old shot records from childhood or school.
• Employee health records (especially if you work in healthcare).
• Pharmacy recordsmany pharmacies can print your vaccination history.

Bring whatever you find to your healthcare visit and admit what you don’t know.
“I have no idea when my last tetanus shot was” is not a confession;
it’s a starting point.

Step 2: Review the current adult schedule with your clinician

CDC updates the adult immunization schedule yearly to reflect new data
and evolving policiesincluding recent shifts in how COVID-19, RSV,
and other vaccines are recommended.

Because recommendations can shift (sometimes amid political controversy),
it’s helpful to focus on your personal risks:
age, chronic conditions, pregnancy, job, and exposures.
Your clinician can walk you through which vaccines are clearly indicated,
which are strongly encouraged, and which fall into a gray “shared decision”
category where your preferences play a big role.

Step 3: Stack vaccines smartly

Can you get multiple vaccines at the same visit? Usually, yes.
Combining appointments is often more convenient and can boost overall uptake,
especially for busy adults. For example, many people get their flu, COVID-19,
and RSV vaccines in the same fall window if they’re eligible.

If you’re worried about side effects, talk with your provider about spacing shots
a bitsay, a week or two apart. For most people, the short-term aches, fatigue,
or low-grade fevers are mild trade-offs compared with the risk of full-blown infection.

Step 4: Plan for side effects (and then enjoy not getting very sick)

Common vaccine side effects include a sore arm, mild fatigue, headache,
or low-grade fever. These usually resolve in a day or two.
Think of it as your immune system doing a workout: a little soreness now,
stronger protection later.

Pro tip: Don’t schedule three heavy meetings, a cross-country flight,
and your vaccine appointments all on the same day.
Give yourself a little buffer, hydrate, and have over-the-counter
pain relievers handy if your clinician says they’re safe for you.

Real-Life Experiences: What Staying Up to Date Looks Like

Statistics are helpful, but stories are what actually change our behavior.
Here are a few common real-world scenarios (composites based on common patterns)
that show how adult vaccines play out in everyday life.

“I’m healthy and in my 30sdo I really need all this?”

Meet Alex, 34, a software engineer who works remotely and goes to the doctor
only when something hurts “enough.” During a routine visit, Alex’s clinician
runs through vaccines:

• Alex has never had a documented Tdap as an adult.
• Childhood records are fuzzy, but it’s likely Alex got MMR and varicella.
• Alex hasn’t had a flu shot in years and has never had a COVID update
  after the original primary series.
• Alex occasionally travels internationally for work.

In one fall visit, Alex gets a Tdap, a flu shot, and an updated COVID-19 dose.
The clinician also recommends starting the hepatitis B series, given modern
recommendations (19–59 years), Alex’s occasional international travel,
and the long-term liver protection the vaccine offers.

Side effects? Sore arms and a tired day on the couch, plus an excuse
to binge a favorite show. Payoff? Much lower risk of getting knocked out
for a week or ending up in urgent care with severe flu or COVID-19 later
in the season.

“I’m in my 50s with a chronic conditionwhat changes?”

Now consider Maria, 57, who has type 2 diabetes and mild heart disease.
Because her conditions increase the risk of complications from respiratory
infections and pneumonia, her clinician takes an even more proactive approach:

• Annual flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines.
• Pneumococcal vaccinationoften a single higher-valent conjugate dose
  (like PCV20) based on current CDC guidance and her risk factors.
• Shingles vaccine (two doses) because she’s over 50.
• RSV vaccine, since people 50–74 with certain chronic conditions are
  now recommended to receive a one-time dose.

Maria jokes that she’s collecting vaccines like loyalty points,
but when a winter respiratory virus wave hits her city,
she’s relieved to be well-protected. Even when she does catch a mild case
of flu one year, it’s a few miserable days at homenot a hospital stay.

“I’m over 65 and already take a bunch of medsdo vaccines really help?”

Finally, let’s look at James, 72, who has high blood pressure and early COPD.
He’s retired, loves spending time with his grandkids, and is trying to stay
active. For James, vaccines are a major tool for keeping his independence:

• He gets flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines each year or season, as advised.
• He’s received his shingles series and pneumococcal vaccine.
• His clinician recommends RSV vaccine based on his age and lung disease.
• His Tdap is up to date; if not, they’d give him a booster.

Research shows that vaccines like flu, RSV, and pneumococcal shots reduce
hospitalizations in older adults.
Every hospitalization avoided is not only a health win, but also less risk
of losing strength, mobility, and confidencethings that are much harder
to get back in your 70s than in your 20s.

For James, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s stacking the odds in his favor
so that a winter cold doesn’t turn into a life-changing event.

The Bottom Line: Put Vaccines on Your Adult To-Do List

Keeping up with vaccines is not about being “scared” of germs;
it’s about being realistic, informed, and proactive.
Adult vaccination rates in the U.S. are still lower than public health
experts would likemeaning many people are leaving easy protection on the table.

You don’t need to memorize every acronym or debate each new headline.
You just need to:

• Ask your clinician or pharmacist, “Am I up to date on my vaccines?”
• Focus on your specific risks: age, health conditions, job, and travel.
• Plan ahead each fall for flu, COVID-19, and (if recommended for you) RSV.
• Catch up on shingles, pneumococcal, Tdap, hepatitis B, and other vaccines as needed.

Your future selfwho doesn’t want shingles, a bad case of flu,
or a pneumonia-induced hospital staywill absolutely thank you.
And so will your family, your coworkers, and anyone else whose health
is a little safer because you chose to roll up your sleeve.