Adult Immunizations

Immunities given by vaccines usually diminish over time. Poor general health may also increase susceptibility to disease. Re-vaccination and boosters can prevent death from complications of flu and pneumonia. The following immunization schedule is recomended for people over 50 years of age:

Flu shots: one each year.


Pneumococcal vaccine (recommended for everyone 65 and over with chronic heart, pulmonary or liver disease, diabetes or HIV): one-time shot if vaccinated more than 5 years ago.


Tetanus/diphtheria: one booster shot every 10 years.


Vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), varicella (chicken pox), meningitis and hepatitis A and B may be recommended by doctors in certain circumstances. See your doctor for evaluation.


For more inforrmation, call the National Immunization Hotline at (800) 232-2252.