Get Shots to Protect Your Health (Adults Ages 19 to 49)
Shots (Vaccines)
Section #1 The Basics: Overview
Adults need to get shots (vaccines) just like kids do. Make sure you're up to date on your shots.
Get a flu vaccine every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.
Get the Tdap shot to protect from tetanus, diphtheria (“dif-THEER-ee-ah”), and whooping cough (pertussis). Everyone needs to get the Tdap shot once, and pregnant women need a dose during every pregnancy. Learn about the Tdap shot.
After you get a Tdap shot, get a Td shot every 10 years to keep you protected from tetanus and diphtheria. Learn about Td shots.
If you're age 50 or older, find out which other shots you may need. Older adults need shots to protect against diseases like shingles and pneumonia ("noo-MOHN-yah").
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about other shots you may need to stay healthy.
Section #2 The Basics: Health Benefits
Why do I need to get these shots?
Shots (vaccines) help protect you against diseases that can be serious – and sometimes deadly. Many of these diseases are common, but vaccines can prevent them.
Even if you got all your shots as a child, you still need shots as an adult. The protection from some shots can wear off over time. And as you get older, you may be at risk for other diseases, like shingles.
Getting shots doesn't just protect you – it also protects the people around you. Some people in your family or community may not be able to get certain vaccines because of their age or health condition.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance plans must cover recommended shots for adults. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get your shots at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to learn more.
If you don’t have insurance, you still may be able to get free shots.
To learn about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
Section #5 Take Action: Keep a Record
Keep a copy of your vaccination record.
Ask your doctor to print out a record of all the shots you've had. Keep this record in a safe place. You may need it for certain jobs or if you travel outside the United States.