Recommended Vaccines for Adults

19-29 Year Olds

• HPV Vaccine (cervical and other cancers caused by HPV)
  • Recommended for everyone up to age 26; a two-or three-dose series depending on age at initial vaccination.
  • If you are over 26 years old, talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine.
• Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): If not previously received, get a single dose, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
• Hepatitis A Vaccine: Especially important for young adults with certain risk factors.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for everyone under age 59.

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30-49 Year Olds

• Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): If not previously received, get a single dose, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
• Hepatitis A Vaccine: Especially important for adults with certain risk factors.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Recommended for everyone under age 59.

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50 Years Old and Up

• Shingles Vaccine: Two doses recommended for adults aged 50 and older.
• Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia): Recommended for adults aged 50 and older; those aged 19-49 with certain health conditions should talk to their health care provider.
• RSV Vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): A single dose recommended for adults aged 75 and older; adults aged 60-74 with certain risk factors should talk to their health care provider.
• Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): A single dose if not previously received, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
   

People 65 and over with Medicare Part D drug coverage pay nothing out-of-pocket for a wide range of recommended vaccines.

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Pregnant People

Vaccination during pregnancy is crucial to protect both the expectant parent and the developing baby. The following vaccines are recommended:

• Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): It is recommended to receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. This timing helps maximize the transfer of antibodies to the baby, providing protection against whooping cough in early life.
• Influenza Vaccine: Pregnant people are advised to get a flu shot during the fall or winter months, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. The flu vaccine is safe during pregnancy and helps protect both parent and baby from influenza-related complications.
• RSV Vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): For those between 32 and 36 weeks gestation during the RSV season (September through January), the RSV vaccine is recommended. This vaccine can reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in newborns during their first months of life.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Recommended for pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy, it helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and complications for both the parent and baby. Vaccination during pregnancy also provides antibodies to the newborn, offering early protection after birth.

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Traveling Outside the Country

If you plan to travel outside the country, you may need immunizations to protect yourself against diseases that aren’t common in the United States. Start planning early and follow these tips:

• Make sure you are up to date on recommended vaccines. Talk with your health care provider and get any vaccines that you may have missed. 
• Learn about the recommended and required vaccines for the locations you will be visiting. This resource also has tips on staying safe and healthy on your trip.
• Don’t wait and make an appointment as soon as possible. Plan to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. This will give you time to build up immunity and get the best protection.

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Health Care and Lab Workers

If you work directly with patients or handle materials that could spread infection, make sure you're up to date on appropriate vaccines to lower the chance that you'll get or spread vaccine-preventable diseases. All health care workers should make sure they’re up to date on these vaccines: 

• COVID-19
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Flu (Influenza)
• Hepatitis B
• Meningococcal  – especially lab workers who work with Neisseria meningitidis (MenACWY vaccine)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR vaccine); or tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Tdap or Td vaccine)

You may need other vaccines, too. Talk with your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. 

Read the Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations from Immunize.org

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Adults with Certain Medical Conditions

It’s especially important if you live with chronic health conditions, COPD, asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, to stay informed about and receive vaccines that are specifically recommended for your condition, in addition to standard adult vaccines. 

Due to the higher risk of serious problems or complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases associated with these conditions, you may require additional vaccinations beyond the typical adult schedule. Talk with your doctor about which specific vaccines are recommended for you, based on your health needs.

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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.

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Vaccination Records

Health care providers record all vaccines given in the confidential Vermont Immunization Registry, regardless of where you were vaccinated. To access your records:

• You may request a copy from your health care provider, or

• You can get a copy directly from the Registry by following these instructions to request vaccine records. 

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