Maryland Vaccine Program

Vaccines for Adults

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines.​ Getting vaccines and boosters on time helps prevent serious illness from many different diseases.

The protection from some vaccines can fade over time, and you might need additional vaccine doses (boosters) to stay protected. For example, adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years or sooner if they have an animal bite, dirty and/or deep wound, or an injury from dirty metals.

Click here for an adult immunization schedule. Talk to your health care provider to see if you have missed any vaccines or need a booster.

Vaccines: Do you need it?

COVID-19

• Maybe. The risk of serious illness with COVID-19 increases as you get older and if you have other health conditions. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.*

Hepatitis A (HepA)

• Maybe. You need this vaccine if you have a specific risk factor for hepatitis A* or simply want to be
  protected from this disease. The vaccine is usually given in 2 doses, 6–18 months apart.

Hepatitis B (HepB)

• Yes! All unvaccinated adults younger than 60 are recommended to complete a 2- or 3-dose series of the hepatitis B vaccine, depending on the brand. You also need this vaccine if you are 60 or older and have a specific risk factor,* or you simply want to be protected from infection. All adults should be screened for hepatitis B infection with a blood test at least one time; talk with your healthcare provider.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Yes! You should get this vaccine if you are age 26 or younger. Adults age 27 through 45 may also choose to be vaccinated after a discussion with their healthcare provider.* The vaccine is usually given in 2 or 3 doses, depending on the age at which the first dose was given.

Influenza (Flu)

• Yes! You need to be vaccinated against influenza every fall or winter.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

• Maybe. You need at least 1 dose of MMR if you were born in 1957 or later. You may also need a second dose.* Pregnant people and people with a severely weakened immune system should not get MMR.*

Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY, MenABCWY)

• Maybe. You may need MenACWY vaccine if you have one of several health conditions* and also if your risk is ongoing. You also will need this vaccine if you are a first-year college student living in a residence hall and (1) you have not had a dose since turning 16, or (2) it has been more than 5 years since your last dose. Anyone age 19 through 21 can have a catch-up dose if they have not had one since turning 16. A combination MenABCWY is an option when both MenB and MenACWY vaccines are needed.

Meningococcal B (MenB, MenABCWY)

• Maybe. You may need MenB if you have one of several health conditions* and boosters if your risk is ongoing. If you are age 16 through 23, you can discuss getting MenB vaccine with your healthcare provider, even if you don’t have a high-risk condition. A combination MenABCWY is an option when both MenACWY and MenB vaccines are needed.

Mpox

• Maybe. You need the 2-dose series of mpox vaccine (Jynneos) if you are at risk due to known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox or if you have certain sexual practices that increase your risk of exposure to mpox.* Talk with your healthcare provider.

Pneumococcal (PCV, PPSV23)

• Yes! All adults age 50 and older need pneumococcal vaccination. Adults younger than 50 with certain underlying health conditions or other risk factors* also need pneumococcal vaccination. Newer vaccines may be recommended now for people vaccinated in the past. Your healthcare provider can determine what vaccine, if any, you need.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• Yes! You should get this one-time vaccine if you are 75 years or older, or if you are between the ages of 50 and 74 and have a health issue that increases your risk of severe RSV.* To protect infants from RSV, give a one-time dose of RSV vaccine during pregnancy or give the infant RSV preventive antibody.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap, Td, Whooping Cough)

• Yes! If you have never received a dose of Tdap, you need to get a Tdap shot now. After that, you need a Tdap or Td booster dose every 10 years. Consult your healthcare provider if you haven’t had at least 3 tetanus- and diphtheria-toxoid containing shots in your life or if you have a deep or dirty wound. Pertussis is recommended for families with new infants or older adults.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Maybe. If you have never had chickenpox, never were vaccinated, or were vaccinated but only received 1 dose, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need this vaccine. Pregnant people and people with a severely weakened immune system should not get varicella vaccine.

Zoster (Shingles)

• Yes! If you are 19 or older and have a weakened immune system or are 50 or older, you should get a 2-dose series of the Shingrix brand of shingles vaccine.

*Consult your healthcare provider to determine your level of risk for infection and your need for this vaccine

Are you planning to travel outside the United States? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website for travel information, or consult a travel clinic.

Source: immunize.org