Vaccines are not just for children. Adults need them too – to stay protected as childhood immunity fades and new risks appear. Five vaccines every adult should consider are the annual flu shot, the Tdap/Td booster (every 10 years), hepatitis B, HPV, and the COVID-19 vaccine – with pneumococcal and shingles vaccines added for older adults. This guide explains who needs what and when.
Last updated: 16 June 2026. Reviewed for medical accuracy by the Even team.
Key takeaways
- Adults need vaccines too – immunity from childhood shots fades over time.
- Get the flu vaccine every year; it changes with circulating strains.
- A tetanus (Td/Tdap) booster is needed every 10 years.
- HPV vaccination is recommended up to age 26 (and sometimes to 45 after discussion).
- Older adults (usually 60-65+) should add pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.
5 vaccines every adult should consider
| Vaccine | Who / when | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (flu) | Every adult, once a year | Seasonal flu and complications |
| Tdap / Td booster | Once, then Td every 10 years | Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough |
| Hepatitis B | Unvaccinated adults; healthcare and high-risk groups | Liver infection (hepatitis B) |
| HPV | Up to age 26 (sometimes to 45) | Cervical and other cancers |
| COVID-19 | As per current guidance | Severe COVID-19 |
Vaccines for older adults
From around 60-65, the immune system weakens, so two more vaccines become important: the pneumococcal vaccine (against pneumonia and related infections) and the shingles vaccine (recommended from age 50 in many guidelines). Adults with diabetes, heart, lung or kidney conditions may need some vaccines earlier – so it is worth reviewing at a check-up.
Who should check with a doctor first?
If you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, a chronic condition like diabetes, or any severe allergy, talk to a doctor about the right schedule. Keep a record of your vaccines, and review it during your annual health check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key adult vaccines are the annual flu shot, the Tdap/Td booster (every 10 years), hepatitis B, HPV, and COVID-19 – plus pneumococcal and shingles vaccines for older adults.
Every year. The flu vaccine is updated to match the strains expected to circulate each season.
A Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster is needed every 10 years, after the initial Tdap dose in adulthood.
HPV vaccination is recommended up to age 26, and sometimes up to 45 after discussing the benefits with a doctor.
From around 60 to 65, older adults should add the pneumococcal vaccine and the shingles vaccine (recommended from age 50 in many guidelines).
Yes. Adults with diabetes or other chronic conditions may need certain vaccines earlier or additionally, so it is worth reviewing with a doctor.
The bottom line
Adult vaccination is one of the simplest ways to prevent serious illness. Keep your flu shot annual and tetanus booster current, catch up on hepatitis B, HPV and COVID-19, and add pneumococcal and shingles vaccines as you get older. Explore more in our Health section.
Staying up to date is easier when care is covered: see health insurance with OPD cover, and vaccination and care at Even Hospital in Bangalore.
Related reading
- Cough, cold and fever: when to see a doctor
- Medical tests to take before you turn 30
- Annual health check-ups
- More from the Even Health blog
References
- U.S. CDC – recommended adult immunization schedule.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – vaccines and immunization.
- Indian Academy / Ministry of Health – adult vaccination guidance.
