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Adult Immunizations
What Immunizations Are Currently Recommended for Adults?
Immunizations are very important for adults to prevent illness and remain healthy. There are several different factors that affect which immunizations are recommended such as:
- Past immunization history
- Existing health conditions
- Life-style
- Age
- International travel
- Occupation
There are four vaccines that are recommended for all adults during their lifetime. These include:
Seasonal influenza (flu) – Flu vaccination is recommended for all adults every flu season
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) (Tdap) – The Tdap vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during every pregnancy and for all adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine
Pneumococcal - pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for adults 65 years and older and for adults ages 19-64 with certain medical conditions
Shingles- the shingles vaccine is routinely recommended for adults ages 50 and older
Other vaccinations you may need include the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines. Certain vaccinations that are not a part of the recommendations for adults living in the United States, may also be recommended for international travel, such as the typhoid or yellow fever vaccines.
An easy-to-read printable version of the recommended adult immunization schedule can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The adult immunization schedule can also be found under Immunization Schedules here.
For more information on adult immunizations, please visit the CDC adult immunization website.
Where Can I Go to Receive Immunizations As an Adult?
Please contact your health care provider, local (county) health department, or pharmacy to schedule an appointment to receive vaccines. The Indiana State Department of Health does not maintain a complete listing of medical providers or pharmacies that administer immunizations throughout our state.
Are There Any Vaccination Programs Available for Adults Who Do Not Have Health Insurance and Need Vaccines?
Certain providers in the state of Indiana are enrolled as Adult Providers in Indiana’s publicly funded vaccine program. These providers include birthing hospitals, prenatal clinics, community health centers and local health departments. All providers in this program can offer the hepatitis vaccines, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the Tdap vaccine to adults who do not have any health insurance or have health insurance that does not cover the cost of the vaccines. Certain risk criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the program.
You may click here to find a provider who is enrolled in the publicly-funded vaccine program in your county: Adult Provider Map. You may also contact the Indiana State Department of Health Immunization Division at 1(800) 701-0704 for more information about the publicly-funded vaccine program.