Vaccines Adults Should Receive

Immunizations for Adult Men & Women

It’s no secret that vaccines are a part of our modern-day life from birth through our golden years, helping to eradicate disease and protect our health. Though most assume that the majority of immunizations that are needed are completed in childhood, there are a number that are recommended for men and women later in life.

There are certain vaccines that men and women should receive in order to stay healthy and avoid contracting or passing on serious diseases. While some vaccines are gender-specific, some are recommended for both men and women. It's important to be up to date on all recommended vaccines, especially as you age.

Here are the most common vaccines men and women should get:

Vaccines for Men & Women:

The following vaccines should be administered to adults if they did not have them as a child:

• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Meningococcal conjugate
• Hepatitis B

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations should be repeated annually through adulthood to prevent the risk of disease. Additionally, the Hepatitis A vaccine should be given if you have been exposed or plan to travel to a hotspot.

Age-Specific Vaccines

• Shingles: aged 50
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Gardasil 9 can be given to patients up to aged 45
• Td booster: given every 10 years, or any time you’re exposed to tetanus
• Hepatitis B: adults aged 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23): patients aged 65 and older; or
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13): all older adults with a weakened immune system

You always should speak to your doctor before being vaccinated, as patients with certain medical conditions should avoid being vaccinated.

Considerations for Childbearing Women

Women should receive the same vaccines as men in their age group; however, the following live immunizations should be avoided during pregnancy (speak to your doctor for any questions about these and other vaccines):

• LAIV for flu
• MMR
• Varicella
• Shingles
• Smallpox

The following can be given during pregnancy:

• Tdap: between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
• Flu shot: during flu season, October through May
• COVID-19

If you are pregnant and have not received these vaccines, speak to your doctor for more information before you are vaccinated.

Primary Care Physicians in Ohio

For the most up-to-date information on vaccination schedules, visit the CDC’s website. It's important to talk to your doctor about which vaccinations are right for you based on your age, lifestyle and health history. Stay up to date on all recommended vaccinations to help keep yourself and those around you healthy by visiting your Southwest General Medical Group primary care physician regularly.