Adult Immunizations

The adult immunization schedule below is a general guideline based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consult with your doctor about vaccines for travelers and for vaccines recommended for college students. If you have certain health problems or engage in some activities with a high risk of infection, your doctor may suggest other immunizations. Your doctor may also suggest certain vaccinations if you have not previously been vaccinated.

TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Men (18-39)
  • Influenza
    • Annual vaccination recommended before flu season
    • Protects against severe flu symptoms
    • Especially recommended for those over the age of 60, pregnant women, caregivers and anyone who will be around children
  • Tetanus
    • Recommended booster every 10 years
    • Protects against a bacteria that can cause a disease of the nervous system
• Men (40+)
  • Influenza
    • Annual vaccination recommended before flu season
    • Protects against severe flu symptoms
    • Especially recommended for those over the age of 60, pregnant women, caregivers and anyone who will be around children
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
    • Protects against shingles, a painful skin rash
    • Single dose recommended for all adults over age 60
  • Pneumococcus
    • Protects against pneumonia and bronchitis
    • Recommended for those over 65 years old or those with long-term health problems
  • Tetanus
    • Recommended booster every 10 years
    • Protects against a bacteria that can cause a disease of the nervous system
• Women (18-39)
  • HPV
    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HPV vaccine for females 9 to 26 years of age to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. The CDC recommends a three-dose schedule for the HPV vaccine with the second and third doses administered two and six months after the first dose. Routine vaccination for girls 11 to 12 years old is also recommended. Because the vaccine is new, it may not be available everywhere. Also, the new vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV infection and can’t prevent all cervical cancers. It is still vitally important to get regular gynecological exams and pap smears.
  • Influenza
    • Annual vaccination recommended before flu season
    • Protects against severe flu symptoms
    • Especially recommended for those over the age of 60, pregnant women, caregivers and anyone who will be around children
  • Tetanus
    • Recommended booster every 10 years
    • Protects against tetanus, a bacteria that can cause a disease of the nervous system
• Women (40+)
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
    • Protects against shingles, a painful skin rash
    • Single dose recommended for all adults over age 60
  • Influenza
    • Annual vaccination recommended before flu season
    • Protects against severe flu symptoms
    • Especially recommended for those over the age of 60, pregnant women, caregivers and anyone who will be around children
  • Pneumococcus
    • Protects against pneumonia and bronchitis
    • Recommended for those over 65 years old or those with long-term health problems
  • Tetanus
    • Recommended booster every 10 years
    • Protects against tetanus, a bacteria that can cause a disease of the nervous system