Important immunizations
You can prevent some serious diseases by getting shots (immunizations). According to national recommendations, immunization programs begin at birth and continue throughout childhood, but even as we age, there are preventive measures to be taken. Following are the general shots and immunizations applicable adults may need.
Tetanus-diphtheria shot
Most people need this shot every 10 years.
Flu shot
People 50 or older need a flu shot every year.
Pneumonia shot
Everyone needs a pneumonia shot once around age 65. If you have lung, heart, or
kidney disease; diabetes; HIV; or cancer, you may need this shot sooner.
You should receive hepatitis B shots if:
- You have had sex with more than one partner or with someone infected with hepatitis B.
- You are a man and have had sex with a man.
- You have had any other sexually transmitted disease within the last 6 months.
- You have injected street drugs.
- You have a job that involves contact with human blood or blood products.
- You travel to areas where hepatitis B is common.
Additionally, new vaccines, including one to prevent meningococcal meningitis, are now available
and being recommended for pre-teens and teenagers.
If you have questions about vaccinations, call the National Immunization Information Hotline,
a toll-free service providing information about vaccine-preventable diseases and
immunizations to protect against them.
The hotline is operated under contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Program, and can be reached via the following numbers.
English service:
800-232-2522
Spanish service:
800-232-0233