Vaccination in Adulthood: What Is Recommended
Childhood immunisation is systematically delivered and recorded. Adult immunisation is not, and coverage is correspondingly patchy even where vaccines are recommended and free.
Recommended by age
Influenza vaccination annually, recommended for older adults and for people with certain conditions in most countries, and for wider age groups in some.
COVID-19 vaccination according to current national guidance, which has moved toward periodic boosters for older and clinically vulnerable groups.
Shingles vaccination from a specified age, which reduces both shingles and the persistent nerve pain that can follow it. Newer preparations offer higher and more durable protection than earlier ones.
Pneumococcal vaccination for older adults and those with certain conditions.
RSV vaccination for older adults, introduced in several countries following trial results, and in pregnancy to protect newborns.
Recommended by risk
Hepatitis B for people with occupational or other exposure risk.
Vaccination for people who are immunosuppressed, have chronic respiratory, cardiac, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes — these groups typically qualify for several vaccines earlier than the general population.
Pregnancy-specific vaccination, including whooping cough to protect the infant in early life, and influenza.
Boosters people forget
Tetanus and diphtheria protection may require boosting, particularly before travel or after a contaminated wound.
Anyone unsure of their childhood immunisation status can usually complete a catch-up schedule, and this is worth raising, particularly for people who moved between countries as children.
HPV vaccination is available to adults in some programmes and privately, with benefit depending on age and exposure history.
Travel vaccination
Requirements depend on destination, itinerary, activities and duration. Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks, so arranging them well in advance matters.
Yellow fever certification is a legal entry requirement for some countries, and must be obtained from an authorised centre.
Malaria prevention is not a vaccine and requires separate consideration.
Practical points
Keep your own record. Health systems frequently do not hold complete adult immunisation histories, particularly across moves and provider changes.
Ask at any routine appointment whether you are due anything, since prompts for adults are inconsistent.
Recommendations change as evidence and products develop, so current national guidance is the right source rather than older advice.
This article is general information and not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about vaccination appropriate for you.
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