Adult Immunizations: what You Need

Becoming an adult means leaving behind the trappings of our youth, but immunizations are not necessarily one of them. Many of the vaccinations we had as children need to be repeated as adults to maintain proper immunity. And just as adulthood brings a new set of responsibilities, being an adult can also require a new set of immunizations.

Which Adult Immunizations Do You Need?

There have been several updates in adult vaccine recommendations since the last set of guidelines were released. One of the most notable: the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine be given to all adult females through the age of 26. Guidelines for males are similar, calling for vaccinations of males aged 13 through 21 years who were not been previously vaccinated. Vaccination is also recommended for males through age 26 who have sex with men and for those whose immune system may be compromised. Other significant changes include:

  • Those at high risk for infection or transmission, such as health care workers and teachers
  • Those who are in close contact with people at high risk of infection
  • Family and others who come in contact with people with compromised immune systems

Adults aged 19-64 should get a pneumonia vaccine if they have certain medical conditions or if they smoke. All adults 65 years or older should receive one dose of the PPSV23 vaccine. They should also talk to their doctor about PCV13 vaccination. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you should have this vaccine and what the dosing procedure should be.

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The ACIP recommends that everyone aged 12 and older get a COVID-19 vaccination. These may be combined with other routine vaccines in the same doctor's visit. You're not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after a single-dose shot or the second dose of a two-dose series. Those who are fully vaccinated can go back to activities they did before the pandemic and don't have to wear a mask or practice social distancing unless rules or laws require it.

Adult Immunizations and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important that you make sure your adult immunizations are current. A child's first set of immunities is often passed on from the mother, and more importantly, contracting certain infectious diseases -- such as rubella -- while pregnant greatly increases a child's risk of birth defects.

The benefits of vaccinating pregnant women usually outweighs the risks of the vaccine, says the CDC. Risks to a developing fetus from a vaccine are largely theoretical, while risks to a fetus from an infectious disease contracted by the mother are well documented.

All women who are pregnant need to talk with their doctor about getting a flu shot and about getting the Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and should be given during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider before being vaccinated with a live virus vaccine, such as chickenpox, measles, or the LAIV flu vaccine. If possible, avoid live virus vaccinations during pregnancy or right before pregnancy since live virus vaccines can increase the risk of transmitting the disease to the fetus. If you're considering becoming pregnant and need a live virus vaccine, wait at least four weeks after vaccination before trying to get pregnant.

People who are pregnant have a greater chance of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. Having COVID-19 during pregnancy also raises the risk of complications, including preterm birth. So far, research shows that it's safe to get any of the COVID-19 vaccines. The ACIP suggests that people who are pregnant be vaccinated against the virus.

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