Which Vaccinations Do You Need Every Year?
Many people associate vaccinations with childhood immunization, but staying up to date on immunizations is an important part of protecting your health throughout adulthood. As we age, our immunity to certain vaccines can decrease, and new vaccines are recommended based on age, health conditions, or lifestyle.
Annual vaccinations help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or the spread of disease to others. They also play an important role in preventive healthcare by helping your immune system stay prepared for viruses and bacteria you may encounter throughout the year.
While some vaccines are recommended every year, others are only needed once or at certain stages of life. Understanding which immunizations are recommended can help you stay protected and make informed decisions about your health.
Why Annual Vaccinations Matter
Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight infections before they become serious. While some provide long-lasting protection, others need to be updated because viruses evolve or immunity naturally decreases over time.
Staying current with your annual vaccinations can help:
- Lower your risk of serious illness
- Reduce the chances of hospitalization
- Protect older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems
- Help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in your community
Your recommended vaccines may also change throughout your life based on factors such as your age, pregnancy, chronic health conditions, occupation, travel plans, or medications that affect your immune system.
Annual Vaccinations Recommended for Most Adults
While every adult’s healthcare needs are different, a few vaccines are recommended for most people on a routine basis. These annual vaccinations help protect against common illnesses that can become serious, especially for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The influenza vaccine is one of the most important annual vaccinations for adults. Because flu viruses change from season to season, the vaccine is updated each year to protect against new strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year, with very few exceptions. It’s best to get vaccinated before flu season begins in the fall, but getting vaccinated at any point in the season can still provide valuable protection.
While anyone can develop complications from the flu, vaccination is especially important for adults who:
- Are 65 or older
- Have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions
- Are pregnant
- Live with or care for individuals at higher risk of severe illness
COVID-19 Vaccine
Like the flu virus, COVID-19 continues to evolve over time. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. Because recommendations may change over time, your healthcare provider can help determine whether the current COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you based on your age, vaccination history, health conditions, and risk factors.
Vaccinations You May Need Based on Your Age or Health
Not every recommended vaccine is needed every year. However, several important adult vaccine recommendations become relevant as you get older or if you have certain health conditions or risk factors.
RSV Vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious illness in older adults and people with certain chronic medical conditions.
The CDC recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine for:
- All adults age 75 and older
- Adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness
Unlike the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine is not currently recommended every year for most adults.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
The vaccine is recommended for:
- All adults age 50 and older
- Younger adults with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems
Several pneumococcal vaccines are available, and the one recommended for you depends on your age, health conditions, and vaccination history. Most adults only need one dose or a short vaccine series rather than annual boosters. Your healthcare provider can determine which option is appropriate for you.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. Vaccination is recommended for adults aged 19 to 59 who have not completed the vaccine series. Adults age 60 and older with certain risk factors should also be vaccinated, while those without known risk factors may choose to receive the vaccine for added protection.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The hepatitis A vaccine is not recommended for every adult, but it may be advised if you:
- Travel to certain countries
- Have chronic liver disease
- Work in occupations with increased exposure risk
- Have other medical or lifestyle risk factors
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether hepatitis A vaccination is appropriate for you.
Vaccines That Require Periodic Boosters
Not all vaccines are needed every year. Some provide long-lasting protection but require a booster after several years or at certain stages of life to help maintain immunity. Staying up to date on these periodic boosters is an important part of protecting your long-term health.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap/Td)
Most adults receive a tetanus-containing vaccine as children, but protection decreases over time.
Current recommendations include:
- One Tdap vaccine during adulthood if you have never received one
- A Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
- An additional booster after certain injuries, if recommended by a healthcare provider
The Tdap vaccine also helps protect against pertussis (whooping cough), which can be especially dangerous for infants.
Shingles Vaccine
If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body and can reactivate later in life as shingles. As people age, the virus can reactivate and cause a painful rash that may lead to long-term nerve pain.
The shingles (zoster) vaccine helps protect against both shingles and the long-lasting nerve pain it can cause. The CDC recommends the two-dose Shingrix vaccine for adults age 50 and older, as well as some younger adults with weakened immune systems.
Unlike annual vaccinations, this vaccine series is typically only needed once.
Other Vaccines You May Need
Not every vaccine is recommended for every adult. Depending on your age, medical history, occupation, travel plans, or other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend additional immunizations such as the following.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase the risk of several types of cancer. It is routinely recommended for adolescents and young adults, though some adults may also benefit from vaccination depending on their age, vaccination history, and individual risk factors.
MMR Vaccine
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may be recommended for adults who did not receive the vaccine during childhood or who do not have evidence of immunity. If you’re unsure of your vaccination history, your healthcare provider can help determine whether an MMR vaccine is recommended for you.
Chickenpox Vaccine
Adults who have never had chickenpox or received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine may need vaccination if they do not have immunity. Because chickenpox can lead to more serious complications in adults than in children, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccination if you’re not already protected.
Meningococcal Vaccines
Meningococcal vaccines help protect against bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections. They are generally recommended for adults with certain medical conditions, people living in specific group settings, travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is more common, and individuals whose work increases their risk of exposure.
Mpox and Travel Vaccines
Some adults may benefit from the mpox vaccine if they have specific risk factors or potential exposure. Likewise, international travelers may need additional vaccines depending on their destination and planned activities. Your healthcare provider can review current recommendations before you travel.
Not every adult needs these vaccines, but reviewing your vaccination history during routine medical appointments helps ensure you stay protected and receive the immunizations that are appropriate for your age, health, and lifestyle.
How to Know Which Annual Vaccinations You Need
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all adult immunization schedule that applies to everyone. Your healthcare provider will consider several factors when making recommendations, including:
- Your age
- Your overall health
- Chronic medical conditions
- Pregnancy
- Medications that affect your immune system
- Occupation
- Travel plans
- Previous vaccinations
These factors help your provider determine which vaccines are appropriate for you and when you should receive them. Some vaccines also have contraindications, meaning they may not be appropriate under certain medical circumstances. Your healthcare provider can review your health history and recommend the safest vaccination schedule for you.
If you’re unsure which vaccines you’ve already received, your provider can often review your immunization history, compare it with the current adult immunization schedule, and determine whether you’re due for any updates.
Make Vaccinations Part of Your Preventive Care Routine
Your annual wellness visit is one of the best times to review your immunization status. Your primary care provider can answer questions about vaccine safety, discuss any changes to current recommendations, and help you stay up to date on the annual vaccinations and boosters that are right for you.
Staying current on your annual vaccinations is one of the simplest ways to invest in your long-term health and help protect those around you. If you’re unsure which vaccines are recommended for you, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Together, you can create a preventive care plan that supports your health today and in the years ahead.
