Why Adult Immunisation Gets Overlooked
Most of us associate vaccines with childhood — a series of shots on a pediatric schedule, then done. But immunisation is a lifelong health practice, and several vaccines are specifically designed for adults, or require repeat doses that many people simply never get around to scheduling.
The CDC's adult immunisation schedule is updated regularly and accounts for age, underlying health conditions, lifestyle factors, and gaps from childhood. Yet surveys consistently show that adult vaccination rates lag far behind those of children. The reasons range from a mistaken belief that childhood shots confer permanent protection, to a general tendency to only see a doctor when something is wrong — a mindset our article on common health myths adults still believe addresses in more depth.
The vaccines below represent some of the most frequently overlooked but widely recommended options for adults. This is general health information — not personal medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are appropriate for your specific situation.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
Most adults received a childhood series of DTaP shots, but protection against pertussis — commonly called whooping cough — wanes over time. The CDC recommends that adults who have never received a Tdap booster get one, and that pregnant people receive it during each pregnancy, typically between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. After the initial Tdap booster, a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) shot is recommended every 10 years. Many adults don't realize they're overdue until they step on something sharp or plan to spend time with a newborn.
Pertussis protection fades — most adults need a Tdap booster they may never have received.
Influenza (Flu)
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for nearly all adults in the United States. Because influenza viruses change from season to season, last year's vaccine provides limited protection against current circulating strains. Adults 65 and older are typically offered higher-dose or adjuvanted formulations that may produce a stronger immune response. Despite its familiarity, flu vaccination rates among working-age adults remain lower than public health targets, and the flu can cause serious complications in adults with chronic conditions.
Flu vaccines must be updated annually — a shot from a previous season does not protect you now.
Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. The CDC currently recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) for adults 50 and older, given in two doses. Shingles can cause a painful rash and, in some cases, a lasting nerve pain condition called postherpetic neuralgia. The vaccine is recommended even for adults who have had shingles before or who aren't sure whether they had chickenpox as a child.
Adults 50 and over are recommended to receive two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine.
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Adults 65 and older, and younger adults with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system), are generally recommended to receive pneumococcal vaccination. More than one type of pneumococcal vaccine exists, and your provider can advise which combination is appropriate for your age and health history. This is a vaccine that is frequently missed because it doesn't follow a simple annual reminder the way flu shots do.
Pneumococcal vaccines are frequently overlooked, yet they protect against potentially serious bacterial infections.
COVID-19 Updated Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be updated to match evolving virus variants. The CDC recommends that all adults stay current with updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations, with guidance reviewed and updated periodically. Adults with weakened immune systems or certain underlying conditions may be recommended additional doses. Because recommendations have evolved, it's worth confirming your current status with a healthcare provider or checking the CDC's official guidance, as your personal needs may differ depending on prior vaccination history and health status.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations continue to be updated — check your current status with a provider.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination became routine for newborns in the early 1990s in the U.S., which means many adults born before that era were never vaccinated. The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults up to age 59 who were not previously vaccinated, and for adults 60 and older based on a shared decision-making conversation with their provider. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease if left unaddressed.
Adults born before routine hepatitis B vaccination became standard in the 1990s may have no immunity.
HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is routinely recommended for preteens, but adults who missed it may still benefit. The CDC recommends vaccination through age 26 for those not previously vaccinated. For adults between 27 and 45, the CDC advises a shared decision-making discussion with a healthcare provider, since the benefit is more variable depending on prior exposure. HPV is associated with several cancers, and vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive tools available.
Adults who missed HPV vaccination as adolescents may still be eligible — ask your provider.
Taking the Next Step
Catching up on adult vaccines is usually straightforward. Many primary care offices, pharmacies, and community health clinics offer them, and your provider can review your existing immunisation records to identify any gaps. If you're unsure what you've had, your state's immunisation registry may hold records you've forgotten about.
Keep a Personal Vaccination Record
Maintaining a simple written or digital log of your vaccines — including dates and booster intervals — makes it much easier to identify gaps at your next appointment. Ask your provider for a printed copy of your immunisation history, or check whether your state has an online immunisation registry you can access. Sharing this record with family members can help the whole household stay on track.
It's also worth pairing this conversation with a broader preventive health review. Our overview of preventive screenings every adult should know about covers recommended checkups that complement your vaccination status and support long-term wellbeing.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health needs and vaccination history.
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