Adult Immunization Schedule

What immunizations do adults need?

Immunizations help protect people from serious, preventable diseases. Keeping up to date with vaccines is important in maintaining good health for older adults. Older adults need to be immunized against influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease (pneumococcal pneumonia), tetanus, and diphtheria. These immunizations do not guarantee that a person will not get sick with these conditions, but they make it less likely and reduce the risk of severe infection or death.

Flu is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches and pains, sore throat, and cough. It is very easily passed from one person to another. People who get flu then often develop pneumonia. Many older adults die each year from complications of flu.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a certain type of bacteria. It affects the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia), or the covering of the brain (meningitis). The vaccine does not prevent pneumonia caused by other types of infection.

Bacteria that enter your body through a break in the skin can cause tetanus, or lockjaw. Diphtheria, also caused by a bacteria, can cause serious problems when the bacteria release a poison into the bloodstream.

When should I be immunized?

The following is the recommended schedule for adult immunizations:

• Influenza (flu): You should get a flu shot every year, sometime between mid-October and the end of November. The shot is also recommended for younger people with chronic diseases and those who want to avoid the flu. If you think you are allergic to eggs, talk to your doctor before getting this shot.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia: You should get this shot if you are 65 or older or if you have a chronic illness, such as heart, kidney, or lung problems. People who no longer have their spleen and those with diabetes should also receive this immunization.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria: You should complete a 3-shot series if you did not get the three shots as a child. The second shot is given 4 to 8 weeks after the first shot. The third shot is given 6 to 12 months later. Everyone needs a booster shot every 10 years. People who have an injury needing stitches should get this shot if they do not remember when they last had a tetanus shot.

What about other immunizations?

Some other immunizations to consider include:

• Hepatitis B: The vaccine is given as a three-shot series. The second shot is given 1 month after the first. The third shot is given 6 months after the first. Your level of protection is checked by a blood test if you are exposed to the virus. If your level is low, a booster shot is given. Otherwise you do not need to get this vaccine again. Ask your doctor whether you should take this series of shots.
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella: This immunization is usually not recommended for older adults. Measles was very common before 1957. People born before then are considered immune to measles because they most likely have been exposed to it.
• Travel-related vaccinations: Travel to certain countries requires you to be immunized against typhoid, hepatitis A, and other diseases. The shots you need vary for different countries. Your doctor or public health department can advise you.

Where can I get immunized?

You can get the shots at your doctor's office, clinics, and most local health departments.

For further information contact:

National Coalition for Adult Immunization
4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-0003

Information will also be available at your local health department.