Adult and Older Adult Vaccinations

​​​​​​The CDC also recommends adult and older adult vaccinations, such as the influenza vaccine, which all adults should receive annually. A client should receive tetanus and diphtheria, or TD vaccine, every ten years. HPV should be given to adults 27 to 45 years of age if adequate vaccination has not been received. The CDC also strongly recommends older adults over the age of 65 receive the pneumococcal vaccine, but it may also be required for younger adults who are at risk, like those who smoke cigarettes. Vaccinations for hepatitis A or B and varicella or chickenpox may be necessary for certain adults. The herpes zoster, or shingles vaccine, is recommended for adults older than 50. MMR vaccination should be given to adults born after 1957 who have no documentation of receiving the vaccine or no evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. A Hib vaccination is not recommended for adults and older adults unless an increased risk exists due to certain medical conditions. These conditions include asplenia, cancer that is being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplant, HIV infection, or sickle cell disease.

Adults who have special conditions or diseases may require vaccination or booster doses against meningitis with MenACWY or MenB. To review these special considerations, refer to the CDC meningococcal vaccine recommendation.  

Adult and older adult clients should also receive COVID-19 vaccinations. For current recommendations on administration intervals and dosages, refer to CDC clinical guidance for COVID-19 immunizations.

The FDA recently approved a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for adults 60 years and older. The CDC recommends a single dose of the vaccine, especially for adults 60 years and older who have underlying health conditions that place them at higher health risks. For current recommendations on administration, refer to CDC clinical guidance for RSV immunizations. ​​​​​​​