9 key vaccines to consider this year
Make sure you're getting all the immunizations you need to stay well this year—and beyond.
With fall just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure you're up to date on recommended vaccines. Whether you're getting this year’s flu shot, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, or checking which vaccines are recommended for your age, taking a few minutes to review your vaccine status can help you stay healthy.
Below, we'll share guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on some important vaccines to discuss with your physician or pharmacist this year.
Vaccines to consider before cold and flu season
Flu vaccine
The flu vaccine helps protect against the influenza virus and related complications. While many people recover from the flu, it can sometimes lead to illnesses such as pneumonia or require a hospital stay.
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. It’s especially important for:
- Young children
- Pregnant people
- People with certain chronic health conditions
- Adults 65 and older
You should get a flu shot once a year, ideally in the fall before flu activity begins to increase in your community.
COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 booster
This vaccine helps protect against serious illness caused by COVID-19. Updated vaccines are designed to protect against the strains of the virus that are spreading now.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available for people ages six months and older. Talk with your physician about the latest recommendations and whether vaccination is right for you.
Vaccination is especially important for:
- People at higher risk of getting sick
- Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
- Older adults
Many people choose to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall alongside their flu shot.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. But in some people, it can cause serious illness and lead to hospitalization.
RSV vaccines are recommended for:
- Adults ages 50 to 74 who have certain medical conditions
- Adults age 75 and older
The RSV vaccine is not currently recommended every year. The best time to receive it is typically in late summer or early fall, before RSV starts spreading in your community.
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Other vaccines to keep on your radar
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections, and other serious diseases.
The vaccine is recommended for:
- Adults age 50 and older
- Younger people with certain health conditions or risk factors
Your physician can help you decide if a pneumococcal vaccine is right for you.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine or Td booster
This vaccine helps protect against three serious diseases: Tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus can enter the body through cuts and wounds. Diphtheria and pertussis spread from person to person.
Adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine should receive one. Tdap is also recommended during pregnancy to help protect newborns from pertussis.
After receiving Tdap, adults should get either a Tdap or Td booster every 10 years. A booster may also be recommended after some severe injuries.
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which are highly contagious diseases that can cause serious health problems.
Adults who are not protected against these diseases should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Some adults, including healthcare workers, college students, and international travelers, may need two doses.
If you're unsure whether you received the vaccine as a child or if you're planning international travel, talk with your physician about whether MMR vaccination is recommended.
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Shingles vaccine
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Even years after chickenpox is gone, the virus can stay in the body and cause shingles later in life.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older. Adults age 19 and older with weakened immune systems may also benefit from vaccination.
The shingles vaccine is given as two shots separated by 2 to 6 months. Your physician can advise you on when to schedule the vaccine.
Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis, an infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Although uncommon, it can become serious very quickly.
Meningococcal vaccines are routinely recommended for children, with a first dose at ages 11 to 12 and a booster at age 16. Some children and adults with higher risk may also need vaccination.
If you or your child missed the recommended vaccination schedule, or if you have risk factors for meningococcal disease, ask your physician whether vaccination is appropriate.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against infections that can cause several types of cancer.
Vaccination is routinely recommended at ages 11 to 12. But it can begin as early as age nine. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 for those who were not vaccinated during childhood. Some adults aged 27 to 45 may also benefit after talking with a physician about their risk factors.
If you or your child have not completed the vaccine series, talk with your physician about your options.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Many vaccines are available at:
- Your primary care provider's office
- Pharmacies and retail health clinics
- Community health centers
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Local health departments
You can also visit vaccines.gov to find vaccination locations near you.
See our sources:
Flu vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
RSV vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pneumococcal vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tdap vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MMR vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Shingles vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Meningococcal vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
HPV vaccine: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
