Adult Vaccination: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:Why do adults need vaccination?
A1:Vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed many in the United States; however, the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exist and can be passed on to people.[1] Every year, thousands of adults in the United States still suffer serious illness, are hospitalized and even die from diseases for which vaccines are available.1
Vaccines can reduce your chance of getting and spreading certain diseases. If you are 50 years of age or older, ensuring that you are up-to-date on the vaccines you need will help protect you, your loved ones, and others in your community from these diseases and their potentially devastating impact.
Q2: Do I need vaccinations as an adult—even if I was vaccinated as a child?
A2: The short answer is “yes.” As an adult you may be at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to your age, job, lifestyle, travel or health conditions. Visit the CDC website to learn more about the adult vaccinations that are recommended:
Nearly 50,000 adults in the United States die from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases or complications each year.[2]If you an adult 50 years of age or older, talk to your doctor about your risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and whether you are up to date with your vaccinations.
Q3:What vaccinations are recommended for adults?
A3: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendsvaccination for certain adults including vaccination for pneumococcal disease, influenza and tetanus. Visit the CDC website to understand what vaccinations are right for you: Talk to your doctor about whether you are up to date on your vaccinations.
Q4:What vaccinations are recommended for adults with certain chronic health conditions?
A4:All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine, but there may be additional immunizations for thosewith certainhealth conditions, including diabetes, congestive heart failure, stroke or other chronic cardiovascular disease, HIV infection, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease including asthma, and a weakened immune system.[3]
It’s important to speak with your health care provider about your vaccination options.
Q5:Are adult vaccinations tested for safety?
A5:Yes. Years of testing are required by law before a vaccine can be licensed. While side effects may occur, once in use, vaccines are continually monitored for safety. Serious side effects, such as serious allergic reactions, are not common.
Q6:What is the best time of year to get vaccinated?
A6: You can receive vaccines any time of the year. The flu vaccine shouldbe administered seasonally though—ideally, by October.[4]However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even in January or later.4
Q7:Where can I get vaccinated?
A7:You have a number of options available to you. Your doctor likely offers vaccines at his or her office, and you may also be able to obtain the vaccines you need at your local county health department, a local pharmacy, or even community-based clinics in places like shopping malls, grocery stores or senior centers.[5]
Q8:Are adult vaccines covered by insurance?
A8:Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover CDC recommended vaccines without copayment or insurance.[6]But anyone who has questions about how much they will have to pay for any vaccine or health service should contact their insurance provider.
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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Information for Adults. Why Vaccines are Important for You. Updated March 26, 2014. Accessed October 7, 2014
[2]Trust for America’s Health, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Adult Immunization: Shots to Save Lives. Washington, DC: Trust for America’s Health; February 2010.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Information for Adults. What Vaccines are Recommended for You. Updated September 18, 2014. Accessed October 7, 2014
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Available at Accessed September 29, 2014.
[5] National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Adult Vaccination FAQs. Available at Accessed October 6, 2014.
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Vaccination Resources. Resources for Adult Vaccination Insurance and Payment. Updated March 3, 2014. Accessed October 14, 2014