Vaccines are not just for children—adults also need protection against serious illness from diseases like tetanus, hepatitis, shingles and pneumonia. In fact, most adults in Vermont choose to get vaccinated, just as they do for their children. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations throughout your life helps protect you, your family, and your community from illnesses that can cause severe complications.
If you plan to travel outside the country, you may need immunizations for diseases that aren’t common in the United States, like cholera and Yellow fever. Plan to get these immunizations at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to give your body time to build up immunity.
It’s Ok to Have Questions
It’s normal to have questions about vaccinations! If you have questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist to decide what’s right for you and your family. Vaccines are a key part of staying healthy at every stage of life—make sure you’re protected!
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for all adults ages 75 and older are now available. Some adults aged 60-74 years with certain medical conditions should also be vaccinated. Talk to your provider to see if RSV vaccination is right for you.
Recommended Vaccines by Group
The vaccines you need are based on your age, if you are pregnant, work in health care, are planning to travel, or live with a medical condition. You can always talk to your doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you.
People 65 and over with Medicare Part D drug coverage pay nothing out-of-pocket for a wide range of recommended vaccines.
Get more information on recommended vaccines
Where to Get Vaccinated & What They Cost
You can get vaccinated at your primary care office, OB-GYN office, or pharmacy. In Vermont, the Health Department provides all recommended adult vaccines to primary care providers, free of charge. Providers may charge a small fee to administer vaccines, which is typically covered by insurance.
If you don’t have health insurance, you may be able to receive vaccines at no cost. Reach out to your local health office to learn more.
Please note that because Medicare does not participate in the Vermont Vaccine Program, state-supplied vaccines are not available for those 65 and older. If you are in this age group, please consult your health care provider or local pharmacy for vaccination options.
Use Vaccine.gov to find a pharmacy that offers vaccines near you.
Vaccination Records
Your health care provider should be able to provide an up-to-date copy of your vaccination records. All vaccines given should be recorded by your health care provider in the Vermont Immunization Registry, regardless of where you were vaccinated. You can also contact the Immunization Registry User Support for your vaccination records: 888-688-4667 (option 1) or vaxrecordrequest@vermont.gov.
