StopGettingSick TeamAdults need shots to prevent serious diseases. You should ask your doctor or other health care provider which shots are right for you.
Influenza (flu) shots
Everyone over age 65 needs this every year.
You may need flu shots before age 65 if you:
- Have lung, heart, or kidney disease.
- Have diabetes.
- Have AIDS or are infected with HIV.
- Have cancer.
- Are a health care worker.
Keep track of the shots you receive.
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot
Everyone needs this once at about age 65. If you have diseases of the lung, heart, or kidney; diabetes; HIV; or cancer, you may need this shot before age 65.
Keep track of the shots you receive.
Tetanus-diphtheria shot
Everyone needs this every 10 years.
Keep track of the shots you receive.
Hepatitis B shots
Discuss with your doctor whether you need hepatitis B shots.
Generally, you should receive hepatitis B shots if you:
- Or your partner have had other sexual partners within the last 6 months.
- Are a male and have had sex with another male.
- Have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) within the last 6 months.
- Have injected illegal drugs.
- Are a health care worker who is often exposed to blood or blood products.
- Had blood transfusions between 1978 and 1985.
If you are traveling outside the United States, discuss with your doctor whether you need hepatitis B shots.
