What Shots Do People Need After 18 Years of Age?

Vaccinations against preventable diseases do not end when a child grows up. New vaccines are continually being introduced to protect adults against such dangerous illnesses as meningitis. Adults must be responsible for keeping their inoculations up to date. Consult a health care provider if there is a question about vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an interactive questionnaire to determine what vaccinations are needed, and WebMD provides a schedule of recommended immunizations for adults.

Influenza

• Immunizations are available against seasonal strains of flu as well as the H1N1 virus, commonly known as "swine flu." Because flu viruses change, the vaccines are altered to combat each new strain. One inoculation lasts for a year. All adults, especially those with a heart or lung disorder and other chronic conditions, as well as pregnant women and senior citizens, should get annual flu shots.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide

• This inoculation doesn't prevent pneumonia but it can ward off the serious complications that may result. People age 65 and older should get this immunization, and those ages 2 to 64 should be inoculated if they have asthma or chronic illnesses including heart or lung conditions. Pneumonia vaccines may be administered just once, often with a flu shot -- "flu and pneu" -- and may need to be given again in five years.

Meningococcal (MCV4)

• Meningitis is a particularly dangerous illness among young adults. Inoculation protects against bacterial meningitis. Teens and college-bound young people should get MCV4 shots if they have never received one or if it has been five years or more. Adults with compromised immune systems may need two shots plus a booster in five years, while other adults can get a single dose. Different forms of vaccine are given to people according to their age.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

• Adults living in or traveling to Central or South America or other foreign countries should get two Hepatitis A shots six months apart. Adults who have not received hepatitis B shots should receive three shots over a four-month period if they are going to be traveling or if they are otherwise at risk. A combination hep A and hep B vaccine is available for adults age 18 or above.

HPV

• Other vaccines may be recommended for travelers to areas where certain diseases are prevalent, for those who didn't get the shots when they were younger or if a new vaccine becomes available.

  New vaccines include human papillomavirus vaccine that protects young women against two types of virus that cause cervical cancer. Women between the ages of 13 and 26 should get three doses of Cerarix or Gardasil over a six-month period.

Polio

• Polio vaccines are routinely given to children, but adults who may be traveling to an area where the disease has not been eradicated or those who didn't receive the complete series of the vaccine as child may need three doses of the vaccine.

MMR and Tdap

• MMR vaccinations against childhood diseases measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) are recommended for people 19 to 49 with no evidence of immunity; one dose is enough for people 50 and above. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussus (Tdap) shots are given to children, but adults should get Td booster shots every 10 years. Between the ages of 19 and 64, adults should get a Tdap shot in place of Td in order to protect against whooping cough.

Chicken Pox

• Chicken pox is a relatively benign illness in childhood, but it can be dangerous in older people. Adults who are not immune should get two doses of varicella vaccine four weeks apart. The CDC reports that chicken pox deaths have dropped drastically because of the vaccine, primarily in the number of childhood deaths, but adult deaths are also reduced because there are fewer contagious children infecting others.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

• Shingles is a painful viral infection that occurs on either side of the body. It results from the virus that causes chicken pox. A vaccination against shingles is recommended for those over 60. The vaccination can help prevent shingles or make an attack less painful.