Why Might Some Adults Need Vaccines?
Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Generally this is true, except that:
- Some adults were never vaccinated as children
- Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
- Immunity can begin to fade over time
- As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus)
Consult the Adult Vaccine Preventable Diseases page to learn about each disease. It includes a short description, symptoms, complications, transmission, and whether or not you need the vaccine as an adult.
Consult the Adult Immunization Schedule to learn the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, by Vaccine and Age Group. [136 KB]
To learn about Adult Immunization scheduling visit
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/06-07/adult-schedule-11x17.pdf [136 KB]
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2011.pdf [78.4 KB]
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/07-08/adult-schedule-11x17-sp.pdf [136 KB]
Adolescent and Adult Vaccine "Quiz"
Vaccines are important for adult and adolescents as well as children. Vaccine recommendations for adolescents and adults are based on a variety of factors including age, overall health status, and medical history.
To help you understand what vaccines you might need, you can complete the Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz online. Then print your results and discuss them with your doctor or healthcare professional next time you make an office visit. Take the quiz.
