Adult Immunization Frequently Asked Questions

Why are immunizations important?

Some diseases do not have a cure. These diseases may cause serious health problems or even death. Vaccines are effective to prevent disease, many of which no longer exist because of vaccines. Vaccines teach your immune system how to fight disease. Vaccines are important to help you stay healthy and can protect you from the suffering and high costs of being sick with a serious disease.

You can help protect people around you by getting vaccinated, especially for babies and people with chronic health conditions or a weak immune system who aren't able to be vaccinated. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions related to immunization for adults. They can tell you which vaccines are right for you. Look at these 10 Reasons to be vaccinated.

Which vaccines do adults need?

COVID-19

Everyone 6 months and older should stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. Up to date information about COVID-19.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

The RSV vaccine is recommended for:

  • Everyone ages 75 and older
  • Adults ages 60-74 at increased risk of severe RSV.
    • Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk include those with chronic heart or lung disease, certain other chronic medical conditions, and those who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

Currently, RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. If you have already gotten an RSV vaccine, you do not need to get another one at this time.

The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall — just before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.

More information about RSV vaccine.

Tdap and Td

All adults need a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years. Additionally, adults should receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine instead of a Td booster. Especially if the last tetanus vaccine they got was more than 10 years ago. Pregnant people should receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their babies against pertussis. The best time to get the vaccine is late in pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 35 weeks of gestation, so they can give their babies better protection after birth.

More information about Tdap vaccine.

MMR

Adults born after 1956 need at least one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, unless they can proof that they were vaccinated against or had these three diseases.

More information about MMR vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Adults aged 26 years or younger should get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV to reduce the chance of getting genital warts, cervical cancer (women only), oral cancer, and anal cancer. Adults aged 27-45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination for them.

More information about HPV vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccines

All adults aged 65 years or older, as well as people 2 to 64 years of age with certain medical conditions, should get one or more pneumococcal vaccines.

More information about pneumococcal vaccine.

Flu/Influenza

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Some adults are at higher risk and are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot. This group includes pregnant people, adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special healthcare needs, health care workers, household contacts, and childcare providers—especially those in contact with babies younger than six months, who are too young to be vaccinated against the flu.

More information about flu vaccine.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for:

  • Adults aged 19 through 59 years of age
  • Adults aged 60 years and older with risk factors for hepatitis B

Adults aged 60 years or older without known risk factors may get hepatitis vaccination.

More information about Hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people:

  • People at increased risk for hepatitis A.
  • People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection.

This includes:

  • Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common.
  • Men who have sex with men.
  • Users of injectable and non-injectable drugs.
  • People with occupational risk for exposure
  • People who anticipate close personal contact with an international adoptee
  • People experiencing homelessness

More information about hepatitis A vaccine.

Chickenpox

Everyone should get 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine if they have never had chickenpox or have never been vaccinated.

Vaccination is especially important for:  

  • Anyone living with children.
  • Anyone who care for or are near people with weakened immune systems.
  • Teachers and childcare workers.
  • Residents and staff in nursing homes and other residential settings.
  • People and staff in correctional institutions.
  • College students.
  • Military personnel.
  • Non-pregnant people of childbearing age.
  • International travelers.
  • Health care workers.

More information about chickenpox vaccine.

Meningococcal

The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for:

  • Adults who do not have a spleen.
  • Adults with weakened immune systems.
  • College freshmen living in dormitories.
  • Military recruits.
  • Certain laboratory workers.
  • People traveling to countries where the disease is common.

More information about meningococcal vaccine.

Shingles

Adults aged 50 and older should get a dose of the shingles vaccine, whether or not they’ve had shingles before. People with chronic medical conditions can be vaccinated unless there’s a specific contraindication or precaution related to their condition.

More information about shingles vaccine.

Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule

Where can I get my immunizations?

Your doctor, nurse, or clinic may carry vaccines. Your local health department or local hospital may administer flu, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Many pharmacies offer immunizations. Clinics may be available in shopping malls, grocery stores, senior centers, and other community settings. Visit CDC's webpage on where to find vaccines for more information.

What do vaccines cost?

Vaccines are often covered by insurance. If you are uninsured, Washington state provides recommended vaccines at no cost.

If you have a private health care plan: Most health insurance plans have preventive services coverage that includes vaccines. However, some people may have co-payments (fee at time of appointment) or other costs. Check with your doctor or clinic and your health insurance plan to determine your costs.

If you have Medicaid/Apple Health: Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients can get immunizations from their primary care provider, pharmacy, or local health department. This service isn't available for those in the Take Charge or Family Planning Only and the Alien Emergency Medical Only programs.

If you have Medicare: Medicare covers preventive services, including vaccines. Part B covers some vaccines (COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B and pneumococcal shots); Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) cover the rest (like the shingles shot and RSV vaccine). Contact your Medicare drug plan for more information about coverage.

If you are uninsured: The Washington State Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) provides vaccine for adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured. This program is federally funded. The vaccines offered may change from year to year. Check with any health care provider to see if they participate in the program or go to the Department of Health map to find providers who participate in this program. Adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all vaccine costs can get no-cost updated COVID-19 vaccine from health care providers, federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and retail pharmacies participating in the Bridge Access Program. Visit Vaccines.gov to find an updated COVID-19 vaccine and providers participating in this program.

Are there side effects to immunizations?

Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. Some common side effects are a sore arm or low-grade fever. As with any medicine, there is a very small risk that a serious problem could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks from the diseases that vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves. Visit our vaccine safety webpage for more information.

What vaccines do I need if I'm traveling abroad?

Travel vaccines depend on where you are going. Contact your doctor or your local health department as early as possible to find out which immunizations you may need. You can visit the Travelers' Health website for up to date information on immunization recommendations for international travelers or call the CDC information line at 1-800-232-4636.

What vaccines do I need if I'm pregnant?

Vaccines help protect you and your baby against serious diseases. The CDC recommends you get a whooping cough and flu vaccine during each pregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby. It's also safe for pregnant people to get routine vaccines right after giving birth, even if you are breast/chest feeding. You can get a flu shot any time during pregnancy. You should get Tdap vaccine (the whooping cough shot) as early as possible in the third trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation) of each pregnancy.

Do I need a personal immunization record?

Yes, everyone should have an immunization record. It helps you and your doctor make sure that you are fully protected. It may prevent revaccination during a health emergency or when you change doctors. Ask your doctor for an immunization record. Take it with you every time you visit your doctor. They can review and update it.

Learn more about options you have for accessing your family's immunization information. If you have immunization records from another state or country, ask your doctor to enter them in the Washington system for you.