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Vaccines for adults: What you need to know
Keeping up to date on your vaccinations is important to help protect against vaccine preventable illnesses. Learn more about the recommended vaccination schedule.
Dr. David Weber · August 13, 2025
5 min read
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Key takeaways
A vaccination schedule is a guideline for when vaccines are recommended based on age, health, and certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma) and/or risk factors (e.g., pregnancy).
- Staying up-to-date with vaccinations can help with both preventing serious illness and protect your loved ones.
- Certain groups like pregnant women, persons traveling outside the United States, and adults with a weakened immune system may need additional vaccines.
Why vaccines matter for adults
Getting vaccinated isn’t just something you do in childhood—it’s a key part of helping to protect your health as an adult too. Keeping up with your recommended vaccines helps protect you from preventable diseases at every stage of life.
How are adult vaccines recommended?
The adult vaccine schedule is developed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of medical and public health professionals. This group reviews the latest research on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and disease trends to determine which vaccines are needed, when they should be given, and who should receive them. The ACIP makes recommendations to the Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State Health Departments may also make recommendations for people living within their state.
Keeping track of your vaccination history is helpful for staying on schedule.
The 2025 adult vaccine schedule by age
Vaccination recommendations can change as you get older, and some vaccines become more important as you reach your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Additional vaccines may be recommended based on age and risk factors. It is important to always talk to your healthcare provider about what vaccines are recommended for you. For the latest recommended vaccination guidelines, refer to the CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule.
How to track your vaccination history
Keeping track of your vaccination history is helpful for staying on schedule. If you don’t have a complete history on-hand, there are ways to piece it together.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for records. Many clinics and pharmacies keep electronic health records that include vaccinations for a period of time. If you’ve changed healthcare providers, request your records be transferred, or ask for a printed vaccination summary you can give to your new healthcare provider. Additionally, sometimes blood tests can be done to check for certain antibodies to help determine if you've been vaccinated.
- Check your state’s vaccination registry. You may be able to access your state’s vaccination registry, sometimes called an Immunization Information System (IIS). These databases are maintained by public health departments and often include vaccinations given at clinics, pharmacies, and public health events. Some states even offer online portals where you can view or request your records.
- Use digital tools like patient portals or apps. For a more convenient option, many people use digital tools like patient portals, health apps, or pharmacy apps to view and manage their vaccination history. These platforms often allow you to download or print your records, set reminders for upcoming doses, and store your vaccination information securely in one place.
Why might adult vaccine recommendations vary from person to person?
Due to differences in age, health conditions, lifestyle, or travel needs
Correct
Due to differences in age, health conditions, lifestyle, or travel needs
Not quite
Correct answer: Due to differences in age, health conditions, lifestyle, or travel needs
Other vaccination considerations
Your lifestyle, health conditions, and travel destinations might necessitate additional vaccinations. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy
Vaccination can help protect the mother, infants, or both, and if you are pregnant, you should talk with your healthcare provider for guidance.
Immunocompromised adults
For those with weakened immune systems, additional vaccines or doses may be recommended to help ensure protection. Some vaccines may not be safe in people with weakened immune systems; if you have a weakened immune system, discuss with your healthcare provider which vaccines you should receive in order to be protected.
Occupational risks
Certain jobs come with higher exposure risks—such as healthcare or laboratory work—and may require additional vaccines.
Travel
Travel outside the United States may place you at risk for some infectious diseases; discuss with your healthcare provider which countries you will be visiting and your expected activities in that country. Based on this information, additional vaccines may be recommended. As vaccines may take several weeks to be effective and more than 1 dose may be recommended, always discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider well in advance. Additional information by country may be found on the CDC’s Travelers Health site.
Recap: Vaccines can help protect your health at every age
Vaccines can help protect your health at every stage of life. Whether you're 25 or 75, staying on schedule can help prevent illness and plays a role in helping to keep those around you heathier too. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you—and don’t forget to keep your records up to date.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. David Weber, a compensated expert engaged by Pfizer to ensure the information provided is medically accurate and current. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
2025 recommended immunizations for adults aged 19 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 28, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/downloads/adult/adult-combined-schedule.pdf
ACIP Recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/acip/vaccine-recommendations/index.html
ACOG Asserts that Data Presented at ACIP Support Maternal Immunization. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. June 27, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2025/06/acog-asserts-that-data-presented-at-acip-support-maternal-immunization
Akinsanya-Beysolow I; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); ACIP Child/Adolescent Immunization Work Group; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended immunization schedules for persons aged 0 through 18 years - United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2014;63(5):108-109.
Staying Up to Date with Your Vaccine Records. CDC. June 13, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/keeping-vaccine-records-up-to-date.html
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Continues to Recommend Current COVID-19 Vaccine to Protect Against Severe Illness. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. June 4, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/060425.htm