Adults Also Need Shots

Get Important Shots

The Dept of Health and Human Services(HHS) wants adults to know that they need to keep up on their shots. 

HHS recommends that the next time you get a checkup, talk with the doctor or nurse about getting these important shots.

• Get a flu shot every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

• Get a Td booster shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus (“TET-nes”) and diphtheria (“dif-THEER-ee-ah”).

• If you are under age 65 and haven’t received it yet, get the Tdap shot instead of your next Td booster. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis).

Be sure to remind grandparents about keeping up with their shots:

• If you are age 60 or older, you may need a shot to prevent shingles. Shingles causes a rash and can lead to pain that lasts for months or years.

• If you are age 65 or older, get a pneumonia shot. This shot is sometimes called PPSV. Most people only need to get the shot once.