Immunization Schedule, Adults
Adults Immunization Schedule Introduction
A significant number of adults in the United States die of complications of influenza, pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis B each year. Vaccines to prevent these diseases are very effective, but underused.
Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. This is true for certain diseases, such as polio. However, some adults were never vaccinated as children. New vaccines such as the chickenpox vaccination were not available when many adults were children. And vaccinations for certain diseases must be repeated periodically to maintain immunity. In addition, certain vaccines are given to adults but not children. This is because with aging, we become more susceptible to serious diseases caused by common infections (such as flu or pneumonia).
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Department of Health and Human Services through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the following recommendations about annual vaccines needed by all adults:
Vaccines needed for all adults:
Annual updates are made each year by the CDC.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/13/2014
Mai Kim Lai, MD
Douglas C Finefrock, DO
Gregory L Walker, MD, FACEP, Ped EM
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Adult Immunization Schedule - Patient Experience
Do you regularly receive a flu shot or a vaccine necessary for your career? Have you renewed childhood vaccines?
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