Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap/Td)
Even if you completed your primary childhood vaccinations, antibody levels decline over time, so it is widely recommended internationally that adults receive a booster roughly every 10 years. This is especially worth checking if you have a wound and are concerned about tetanus infection and it has been a long time since your last shot. Adults planning a pregnancy or in frequent contact with infants often discuss timing with a healthcare provider to help protect against pertussis.
Shingles
A vaccine generally recommended for adults age 50 and older, which helps prevent the reactivation of the virus that remains dormant in the body of anyone who had chickenpox as a child. Because shingles can cause severe pain and lingering nerve pain afterward, many people consider vaccination as they get older. Whether it is publicly funded, any out-of-pocket cost, and the exact recommended age can change depending on the vaccine type and timing, so it's safest to check with a clinic or your local health authority for the latest information.
Pneumococcal
A vaccine intended to prevent serious complications like pneumonia and bacteremia, said to be especially important for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Free vaccination is often provided by national programs for people above a certain age, but the exact eligible age and the types of vaccine available (conjugate or polysaccharide) can be adjusted over time, so it's recommended to check with your local clinic or health center whether you qualify.
Influenza (flu)
Because the circulating virus strains change every year, it is generally recommended to get a new shot each fall. Free vaccination through national programs is often provided to groups at higher risk of complications, such as children, pregnant women, and older adults, and other adults are also advised that getting vaccinated before flu season can be helpful. Eligibility and timing are announced each year, so it's good to check the latest information as the season approaches.
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
A booster is sometimes recommended for adults whose childhood vaccination records are unclear or whose antibody test results show no immunity. This is especially worth considering before international travel or possible contact with a region experiencing a measles outbreak, often after first getting an antibody test to determine whether it's needed. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is often advised to complete vaccination beforehand, so it's a good idea to consult with a provider in advance.
Hepatitis A
Many younger adults who grew up in an era of improved sanitation lack the natural immunity that came from childhood exposure in the past, so vaccination is sometimes recommended if antibody testing shows none present. Since it can spread through contaminated water or food, it's common to check vaccination status before traveling to a region with different sanitation conditions. Antibody status can be confirmed with a blood test.
Chickenpox (varicella)
Adults who never had chickenpox as a child and have no vaccination history may want to consider getting vaccinated. Chickenpox is known to cause more severe symptoms in adults than in children. Since guidance often recommends avoiding pregnancy for a certain period after vaccination, anyone planning a pregnancy should be sure to consult a healthcare provider beforehand.
HPV (human papillomavirus)
A vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer and other conditions, increasingly recommended for men as well as women, and generally considered most effective when given at a younger age. It is generally explained that adults who are already sexually active can still gain some benefit from vaccination, though the relative benefit tends to decrease with age. Since publicly funded eligibility and free vaccination conditions can continue to change, it's a good idea to check the latest announcements.
How to find out which vaccines you personally need
The information on this page is only a general introduction β the precise recommended ages and whether a vaccine is publicly funded can keep changing over time. The most accurate approach is to consult your national health authority's immunization information service, your local health center, or your treating physician, who can advise based on your age, underlying health conditions, and vaccination history. If you have a chronic condition or are planning a pregnancy, be sure to discuss this with a healthcare provider first.