Which vaccines do most adults need every year?

The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for nearly all adults. COVID-19 vaccination guidance changes, so follow the current CDC schedule and ask your clinician.

How often do I need a tetanus shot?

Adults commonly get a Td or Tdap booster about every 10 years, and sooner after certain wounds. Your clinician can check your record.

At what age is the shingles vaccine recommended?

The recombinant shingles vaccine is commonly recommended as two doses for adults 50 and older. Adults with weakened immune systems may be advised to get it sooner.

Can I get more than one vaccine at the same visit?

Often yes. Ask your clinician which vaccines can be given together for you.

What if I do not have my vaccine records?

Check with past doctors, pharmacies, schools, employers or state immunization registries. Your clinician can also help decide what to do if records cannot be found.

Vaccines for AdultsBy Kel Healthcare TeamOctober 28, 2026Updated October 28, 2026

Adult Vaccination Schedule: Which Vaccines Do Adults Need?

Which vaccines do adults need, and when? A plain-language look at flu, COVID-19, Tdap/Td, shingles, pneumococcal, RSV, hepatitis B and more, with tips to check your own schedule.

Vaccines Preventive Care Adult Health Flu

Medically reviewed by Dr. Karl E. Latortue, MD7 min read

Illustration of a vaccine vial and syringe beside a calendar with a checkmark and a bandage on an arm

Introduction

Vaccines are not only for children. Immunity from some shots fades over time, some vaccines are recommended only as you get older, and others depend on your health conditions, job, travel or pregnancy.

This guide gives a plain-language overview of the vaccines commonly recommended for adults and how to check what applies to you. Recommendations are updated regularly, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with your clinician. For another angle, read our post on the adult vaccine schedule most people miss.

Vaccines Commonly Recommended for Adults

Vaccine	Who it is commonly recommended for	How often
Influenza (flu)	Nearly all adults	Every year
COVID-19	Adults, with guidance that changes by age and risk	Follow the current CDC schedule
Tdap or Td	All adults	Tdap once, then Td or Tdap about every 10 years; Tdap during each pregnancy
Shingles (recombinant)	Adults 50 and older	Two doses
Pneumococcal	Older adults and some younger adults with certain conditions	Per current CDC guidance
RSV	Older adults and some adults at higher risk	Per current CDC guidance
Hepatitis B	Many adults under 60 and some older adults at risk	Series of doses
MMR	Adults without evidence of immunity	One or two doses
HPV	Through age 26, and some adults to 45 after discussion	Two or three doses

Age cutoffs and eligibility change, so use this table as a conversation guide, not a rule.

Health Conditions That Change the List

Diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (including asthma and COPD) or kidney disease
A weakened immune system or certain medications
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Travel outside the United States
Jobs with extra exposure, such as health care or child care
Alcohol or tobacco use, and being a close contact of someone at high risk

How to Check Your Own Schedule

Gather any vaccine records you have, including cards, school or military records and pharmacy printouts.
Review the CDC's adult immunization schedule or its easy-read version.
List your health conditions, medications, pregnancy plans and travel.
Bring both to your visit and ask which vaccines you are due for and which can be given together.
Ask for an updated record to keep.

Common Questions About Safety

Mild soreness, tiredness or a low fever for a day or two are common after vaccination. Serious reactions are rare. Tell your clinician about any past severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or ingredient, and ask about timing if you are acutely ill. Your clinician can explain risks and benefits for your situation.

Vaccines and Your Yearly Checkup

A vaccine review is a natural part of preventive care and an annual physical. Ask your clinic which vaccines are offered on site and which are given at a pharmacy. Flu season is also a good time to read our guide to telling a cold from the flu and the CDC's flu information. Tetanus boosters may also come up after a wound; see the CDC page on tetanus.

Conclusion

Keeping vaccines up to date is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and the people around you. A short conversation at your next checkup can show you what you are due for.

To review your vaccine schedule, schedule an appointment. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.