Adult Vaccination Guide: What Shots Do You Really Need?

When most people think of vaccines, they picture childhood injections that protect us in our early years. But the truth is, immunity doesn’t last forever — and some diseases pose an even greater threat as we grow older. That’s why vaccines aren’t just for children; they are crucial for staying healthy in adulthood.

This guide will help you understand which vaccines are recommended for adults at different stages of life, why they matter, and how they protect not only you but also the people around you.

Why are vaccines important for adults?

Unlike childhood vaccinations, which most of us complete early in life, adult vaccination is often overlooked. Yet, in India, thousands of adults fall ill each year from preventable diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles.

These illnesses can lead to severe complications, long-term health problems, hospitalisation, or even death. By keeping your vaccines up to date, you lower your risk of serious illness and help reduce the spread of infections within your family, workplace, and community.

Vaccination also supports your lifestyle—helping you avoid prolonged illness, costly medical bills, and missed time with loved ones. In short, adult vaccines aren’t optional extras; they are an essential investment in your long-term health and well-being.

Core vaccines recommended for all adults in 2025

Here are the vaccines that most adults should get to stay protected:

What shots do adults need by age or health?

Vaccines can depend on your age, health, and lifestyle. Here’s a simple guide to help you know what shots you might need:

Adults 18 to 49 Years

• Get a tetanus booster every 10 years.
• If you are under 26, the HPV vaccine is recommended to prevent certain cancers.
• Get the flu vaccine every year.
• Get COVID-19 vaccine boosters as advised.
• If you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, get vaccinated.
• Get the hepatitis B vaccine if you have certain health risks or work in healthcare.
• Get the typhoid vaccine if you travel to places where typhoid is common.

Adults 50 to 64 Years

• Keep getting the flu vaccine every year.
• Begin the shingles vaccine series at age 50.
• Get a tetanus booster every 10 years.
• Get the pneumococcal vaccine if you have underlying health conditions.
• Get COVID-19 vaccine boosters as needed.
• Catch up on any vaccines you missed earlier.

Adults 65 Years and Older

• Get the flu vaccine every year.
• Get the pneumococcal vaccine to protect your lungs.
• Get the shingles vaccine.
• Continue with tetanus boosters every 10 years.
• Get COVID-19 vaccine boosters as advised by your doctor.
• Ask your doctor about other vaccines based on your health or travel plans.

Vaccines required for travel or high-risk professions

If you travel or work in certain jobs, you may need extra vaccines to stay safe:

• The typhoid vaccine is important if you visit rural parts of India or other countries where typhoid fever is common. 
• The rabies vaccine is recommended if you work with animals or travel to areas where rabies is common.
• Hepatitis A and B vaccines protect against liver infections and are important for travellers and healthcare workers.
• The BCG vaccine, in rare cases, may be given to adults at risk of tuberculosis, such as certain workers or frequent travellers.
• The yellow fever vaccine is required if you travel to certain parts of Africa or South America.
• Getting the flu vaccine before international travel is also a good idea.

In India, the vaccines you need depend on your lifestyle, health, and travel plans.

How can you keep track of your adult vaccine schedule?

• Talk to your doctor regularly to check which vaccines you need.
• Keep a record of all your vaccinations.
• Make sure to get your vaccines on time.
• Ask about vaccines before travelling.
• Don’t skip yearly vaccines like the flu shot or COVID boosters.

Final Words

Vaccines for adults protect you from many serious diseases. Following your adult vaccine schedule helps keep you and your family healthy. Whether it is the tetanus vaccine, the flu vaccine, or specialised vaccines such as the rabies vaccine. Talk to your doctor today. Ensure you are up to date with all recommended vaccines. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the right protection. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the right vaccines

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccines should adults get every year?

Adults should get the flu vaccine every year to protect against seasonal flu.

Are adult vaccines safe?

Yes, adult vaccines are tested for safety and are closely monitored by health authorities.

Do adults really need vaccines if they were fully vaccinated as children?

Yes, some vaccines, such as flu and tetanus, are safe and recommended during pregnancy.

Which vaccines are essential before international travel?

Vaccines like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, and COVID-19 may be needed depending on the destination.

Can I receive multiple vaccines at once?

Yes, it is generally safe to get more than one vaccine during the same visit.

Should pregnant women get vaccinated?

Yes, some vaccines like the flu and tetanus vaccines are safe and recommended during pregnancy.

Where can adults get vaccinated?

Adults can receive vaccinations at hospitals, clinics, government health centres, and authorised sites.