Vaccination Checklist for Adults

This article appears to be centered and written for women, but men need to keep their vaccinations up-to-date as well. Even many doctors seem to forget about this and let their patients slide when it come to vaccinations.

I have been fortunate that I have kept mine up-to-date except in one area. The list is not complete, but in any case you should check with your doctor for vaccination information and update your shots. If you are traveling outside the US, you must have a current vaccination certificate for many countries. Check with the State Department for vaccinations required for the countries you plan to visit.

Adult vaccinations you may need.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap): a booster is needed every 10 years.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): three-dose series given to females age 11-26
Varicella (chickenpox): two-dose series given to adults with no evidence of immunity to the chickenpox virus.
Zoster (shingles): one-dose vaccine for adults 60 and older.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): one or more doses given to adults with no evidence of immunity.
Influenza (flu): yearly vaccination given to adults 50 and older.
Pneumococcal: given to adults 65 and older. A one-time booster is given five years later.
Hepatitis A: two-dose series given to adults.
Hepatitis B: three-dose series given to adults.
Meningococcal: one or more doses given to adults.
Other vaccinations: Travelers to some parts of the world or people with professions that bring them into contact with animals might need other vaccines.

Please read this article for further information and details. I must emphasize consulting with your doctor for other vaccinations depending on the countries you will be visiting. You can be stopped and not allowed entry if your vaccinations are not up-to-date. In these cases you can be put on a flight back to the US and you will have no recourse.