For Adults

It isn’t just children that are susceptible to communicable diseases, and the vaccines recommended for children versus adults are different. At different life stages, we become more susceptible to certain diseases depending on our age, lifestyle, job, travel habits and individual health concerns.

As we age, getting our flu shot becomes even more important because influenza is more likely to cause severe illness in individuals ages 65 and older. Or you may work in an environment that puts you at greater risk of exposure to infections that are less likely in the general population.

Recommended Vaccines for Adults

While this may sound complicated, it doesn’t have to be. Medical and public health experts with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend standardized vaccine schedules for infants, children, youth, and adults, which are approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). This is the same schedule that your doctor uses when recommending vaccines for you.

Which Routine Vaccines Should Adults Consider?

See an overview of vaccines that you’ll want to consider if you are age 19 or older.

Questions?

If you have questions about what vaccines you should consider, contact your doctor for guidance for your situation. If you have questions about general vaccine recommendations, contact iapsupport@srhd.org or 509.324.1611.

Traveling soon? Depending on where you’re headed, you may want to consider additional vaccinations that are recommended prior to travel to your destination. See For Travel for more information.

If you do not have insurance and need a vaccine, you are eligible to receive vaccines through the Washington State Adult Vaccine Program, which provides vaccination services at no cost.

Call Before You Go

Some clinics may not have vaccine clinics on site, so it’s important to call before you go. You may need to be an established patient for certain providers. Please call ahead to confirm if walk-ins are available and to make sure the vaccine(s) you want is available.