What Vaccines Are Needed for Adults? A Detailed List of Immunizations for Every Age Group

PLEASE NOTE: Central Coast VNA Community Services has discontinued the travel immunization program. As the community immunizers it has been a privilege to provide this vital service of disease prevention and healthy travel to our communities.

Most people know that children need vaccinations to protect them from various illnesses as they grow up. However, you may not realize it’s important for adults to get immunized as well. There are several viruses and diseases that can attack adults who are not up to date on their vaccines. Your risk for these conditions varies depending on multiple factors, including your age, health status, occupation and travel plans. Here is a detailed list of recommended vaccines for adults.

Vaccines for All Adults

Influenza vaccine
Influenza claims the lives of thousands of Americans each year. People with health conditions, pregnant women and older adults are most at risk. All adults 19 and over should get annual flu immunizations to prevent the spread of the disease.

COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country. However, COVID vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death due to the virus. Although COVID-19 is most dangerous for older adults and people with certain health conditions, it can also cause healthy young adults to become seriously ill. You can get the COVID vaccine in Salinas by visiting a clinic, pharmacy or doctor’s office.

Tetanus vaccine
Tetanus infections are caused by a type of environmental bacteria that can enter the body through open wounds. Once inside, it can produce a toxin that causes severe muscle spasms and stiffness. All adults should get a Tdap immunization — which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough — if they did not receive one as a child. They should also get a booster shot every 10 years.

Vaccines for Adults 19–26 Years Old

HPV vaccine
Human papilloma virus can cause genital warts and certain cancers in both men and women. Doctors recommend HPV vaccinations for adults between the ages of 19 and 26 who have not already been immunized against the virus. In addition, some unvaccinated adults between the ages of 27 and 45 may benefit from immunization if they are at risk of new HPV infections.

Vaccines for Adults 19-59 Years Old

Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver that frequently causes no symptoms. It can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, cirrhosis and even death. Most people are vaccinated against Hepatitis B as infants, but health experts also recommend that adults between the ages of 19 and 59 get immunized against the disease.

Vaccines for Adults 50 Years Old and Up

Shingles vaccine
Shingles is an infection that stems from the same virus that causes chickenpox. It causes a rash that develops into painful, itchy blisters. The risk of contracting the disease increases sharply with age, so all adults over the age of 50 should get protected by the shingles vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause many types of pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis and bacteremia bloodstream infections. Adults 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions and smokers are at most risk. Doctors recommend that these populations get either the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) or the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to protect them against serious illness.

Vaccines for Pregnant Adults

If you’re expecting a baby, you should get a Tdap vaccine between the 27th and 36th week of your pregnancy to prevent pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. You should also get an influenza shot if you are pregnant during flu season, which normally runs from October through May. Other immunizations may also be recommended.

Vaccines for Adults With Health Conditions

Adults with certain health conditions may require additional vaccines. Ask your doctor which immunizations are recommended if you have conditions such as:

• Asplenia
• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases
• HIV infection
• Asthma or other lung diseases
• Liver disease
• A weakened immune system

Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers can be exposed to a number of vaccine-preventable diseases while on the job. Because of this risk, medical professionals who work directly with patients should get certain immunizations to prevent the spread of viruses and other contagious infections. These immunizations may include:

• Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella
• Chickenpox
• Meningococcal

Vaccines for Travelers

Adults traveling from the Monterey area may need to get certain immunizations before they depart. For example, people planning to visit another country might be required to get vaccinated against one or more of the following diseases:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid and paratyphoid fever
• Meningococcal disease
• Rabies
• Yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis

In addition, you might want to make sure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before taking a domestic or international trip. Check government sources for the most up-to-date guidance on travel immunizations.