What vaccines do adults need?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The CDC's adult core: a flu shot every year (strains rotate - last year's does not count), a Td or Tdap booster (Tdap once if never had, and in every pregnancy), and staying up to date on COVID vaccination, which the CDC links to lower risk of severe illness. Age additions: shingles from 50 (two doses), RSV at 75-plus or 50-74 at increased risk, pneumococcal in older adulthood. Catch-ups many adults missed: Hepatitis B, HPV (through 26, discussable to 45), MMR, chickenpox. Situational: travel, healthcare work, immunocompromise, pregnancy. Most are available at any pharmacy without an appointment. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can map the list to your age and history.
What to do
- Lock in the core three: flu yearly, Tdap/Td, COVID current.
- 50? Add shingles. 75 or at-risk? Add RSV.
- Ask about catch-ups: Hep B, HPV, MMR, chickenpox.
- Pharmacies do most of it: walk in, done in minutes.
Related questions
- When is flu season?
- Do I need a COVID booster this year?
- What is RSV season?
- What screenings do I need at 50?