pneumococcal disease

WHAT IMMUNIZATIONS DO ADULTS NEED?

According to the Center for Disease Control,

  • Seasonal influenza (flu) – Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year as the best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications.

  • Pertussis, also known as whooping cough – The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine is recommended for women during each pregnancy and once for all adults who have not previously received it.

  • Tetanus and diphtheria – The Td vaccine is recommended every 10 years.

  • Shingles – The herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older.

  • Pneumococcal disease – Two pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for adults 65 years and older. One or both vaccines may be recommended for adults younger than 65 who have specific health conditions, such as diabetes, or who smoke cigarettes.