How often do I need to get vaccinated?

Different vaccines are recommended at different ages throughout adulthood—for instance, the flu shot is recommended yearly, HPV is given at or before age 26 while shingles is given at age 60 or older. Some vaccines are one dose only for most adults (eg, pneumococcal, MMR) while others are a series of vaccines given over a short timespan (eg, HPV is given as three doses over six months). Influenza and Td/Tdap are given regularly throughout adulthood: you need influenza every year and Td once every 10 years, with Tdap in place of one Td booster. The best way to decide exactly what you need is to discuss it with your doctor or book an appointment for a consultation or an evaluation of your immunization status so that we can advise you accordingly.