Adult Immunization Schedule

Vaccine

How often?

Disease Prevented

Who needs it?

Hepatitis (Hep B)

One series of three injections

Hepatitis B, a disease that causes chronic liver disease

Adults with high risk of exposure, such as health care providers and sanitation workers

Influenza

Every year

"Flu," which can be especially dangerous to the elderly and people with immune disorders

Adults over age 65; adults with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease; adults with diabetes or an immune disorder; nursing home residents; health care workers

Measles, mumps, rubella

(MMR)

One time

Measles, a disease marked by red spots, fever and coughing

Mumps, a disease that causes swelling of the salivary glands and may affect the ovaries or testes

Rubella ("German measles") A form of measles that, if caught by a pregnant woman, can cause birth defects

Adults born after 1956 who are no known to be immune to all three diseases

Pneumococcal

At least once possibly more often

Pneumonia, an infection that caused inflammation of the lungs

Adults age 65 and older;adults with chronic illnesses such as asthma, COPD, coronary artery disease, or diabetes; adults with immune disorders

Tetanus, diptheria (Td)

Every 10 years

Tetanus("lockjaw") a disease that causesmuscles of the neck and jaw to spasm

Diphtheria, an infection that causes fever, weakness and breathing difficulties

All adults

Travelers' diseases

As needed

Infections such as cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, polio and rabies

Adults traveling out of the country. Required immunizations will vary depending on the country you plan to visit. Talk with your healthcare provider and the embassy or consulate.