As an adult, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping your vaccinations up to date. Below, you can find the main updates to the vaccines that adults need.

Each year, scientific and medical experts review and update the U.S.-recommended immunization schedule for adults based on the latest research on how to control vaccine-preventable diseases.

Changes in the 2013 recommendations reflect research that shows the best way to protect you and young, vulnerable children around you.

Take a look at the following updates; one or more may apply to you.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

CDC now recommends two kinds of pneumococcal vaccines for adults.

• One dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for adults aged 19 years and older with asplenia, sickle cell disease, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, cochlear implants, or conditions that cause weakening of the immune system.
• Adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions (for example, certain kidney diseases, cigarette smoking, chronic heart or lung disease, asplenia, and conditions that cause weakening of the immune system) should receive one or two doses of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
• All adults 65 years and older should still get one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
• If you are recommended to get both PPSV23 and PCV13 vaccines, you should get the PCV13 vaccine first, followed by PPSV23 eight weeks later.

Tdap and Td Vaccine

• All adults 19 years and older, including those 65 years and older, should get a dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine.
• The Tdap vaccine is now recommended for all women in the third trimester (ideally 27th through 36th week of their pregnancy), even if they have previously received Tdap vaccine.
• Tdap is especially important for anyone in close contact with infants younger than 12 months old – for example, parents, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, teachers, and those who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine.
• Other adults who are not close contacts of children younger than 12 months old, should receive a one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine. After your initial dose of Tdap, you'll need the Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years. You don't need to wait to get the Tdap vaccine if you have recently received the Td booster vaccine.

Find Out Which Vaccines You Need

Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against vaccine-preventable diseases such as shingles, seasonal flu, hepatitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Take this simple quiz to find out which vaccines you might need. Check with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

If you are going to travel internationally, you might need additional vaccines. See this vaccinations and travel checklist.

More Information

• Recommended Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older—United States, 2013.
• Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases
• Finding and Paying for Vaccines
• Reasons to Vaccinate