Fast Facts: Vaccines You May Be Due For

Think vaccines are just for kids? Think again. Adults need vaccines too—whether it's to stay protected, boost immunity, or guard against newer health threats. If you're 20 or older, here's a quick check-in on vaccines you might be due for.

Why Adult Vaccines Matter

• Immunity can wear off over time

• Newer vaccines may not have existed when you were younger

• Some vaccines are age-specific or tied to lifestyle, job, or health conditions

Common Vaccines You May Be Due For

1. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• If you’re 20–64 years old and haven’t had one as an adult, you need it.

• Then: Td booster every 10 years

• Especially important if you're around babies or work in healthcare

2. Flu Shot (Yearly)

• Recommended every year, ideally in early fall

• Helps protect you and those around you from severe illness/versions of seasonal flu strains

3. COVID-19 Vaccine

• Even if vaccinated before, you may be due for updated boosters

• Recommendations change—check yearly or with your provider

4. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• If you’re age 26 or younger and didn’t get it as a teen, you may still benefit

• It protects against cervical cancers and genital warts

• Adults 27–45: Talk to your OB/GYN, you may still benefit

5. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Born after 1957? You likely had it—but some adults need a second dose

• Especially important for college students, healthcare workers, or travelers

6.Hepatitis A & B

• Recommended if you:

  • Travel internationally

  • Have certain medical conditions that cause or require immunosuppression

  • Work in healthcare or public service

  • Use IV drugs or have certain sexual exposures

8. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

• If you’re 50 or older, you need this if you had chickenpox

• Newer Shingrix vaccine is more effective than older versions so still recommended even if you got the Zostavax vaccine previously
  (In my opinion, this is optional in that shingles will not land you in an ICU unless you have a severely suppressed immune system, but shingles is quite painful and unpleasant to have so vaccination is an individual choice)

9. Pneumococcal Vaccine (Prevnar 20)

• Typically recommended for ages 50+, but adults with chronic conditions may need it earlier

• Helps protect against Strep pneumonia, a specific bacteria that causes severe pneumonias and sepsis

10.Respiratory Sincytial Virus (RSV) vaccine

• Adults 60+ are now eligible for the RSV vaccine

• Especially recommended if you have heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immunity

• Helps prevent serious respiratory illness, hospitalization, or complications from RSV

Not Sure What You’ve Had?

Ask your doctor to review your vaccination history at your next check-up. A simple blood test (titer) can also check immunity for some diseases like MMR or varicella.

Use an app like MyIR Mobile, your state immunization registry, or your pharmacy’s vaccine record to keep track of what you’ve had—and what’s next.

Bottom line

Vaccines aren't just about you—they help protect your family, coworkers, and community. Staying up to date is one of the easiest ways to take charge of your health.

Need a vaccine? Book an appointment with your provider or local pharmacy today.

Stay well,

Sandra Koehn, DO