Immunizations for
Adolescents and Adults

Many adolescents (ages 11 - 19) and adults don't know they are supposed to get immunized against several diseases. They think shots are for just little kids. There are millions of adolescents and adults who need tetanus-diphtheria shots, hepatitis B shots, hepatitis A shots, chickenpox shots, measles-mumps-rubella shots, influenza shots, and/or pneumonia shots - are you one of them?

Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting job. Make sure you and your doctor keep it up! Don't leave your doctor's office without making sure you've had all the shots you need.

Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) (often referred to as "tetanus shot")	Adolescents: All adolescents need a booster dose of Td between the ages of 11-16. After that you will need a "tetanus shot" every ten years. Adults: Adults need to have a *tetanus shot' every 10 years. They should also be sure that they have already completed their primary series of 3 "tetanus shots." Don't wait until you step on a nail!
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	Adolescents: Check with your doctor or nurse to be sure you've had your second dose of MMR. Adults: Most adults born before 1957 have natural immunity to measles so they don't need this vaccine. Adults born in 1957 or later should receive one dose of MMR if they haven't already had it (A second dose of MMR may be required for adults born in 1957 or later in some work or school settings. Ask your doctor or nurse.)
Hepatitis B (HBV or He-B)	Adolescents: All adolescents need three doses of hepatitis B vaccine if they have not been previously vaccinated. Adults: Many adults are at risk for hepatitis B and need to be protected with vaccination. Ask your doctor or nurse if you need to receive these three shots.
Varicella (Var) ("chickenpox shot")	Adolescents: All adolescents who have not had chickenpox or have not been previously vaccinated should receive this shot. Children 12 years of age or under need only one dose. People 13 years of age and older need two doses. Adults: If you have never had chickenpox, you should receive two doses of chickenpox vaccine.
Influenza vaccine ("flu shot")	Adolescents and adults under age 65: If you have chronic medical problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc., ask your doctor or nurse if you need to get a "flu shot' every fall. Pregnant women: Consult your doctor or nurse about receiving a 'flu shot" during your pregnancy. Adults 65 and over: You should receive a "flu shot" every year in the fall. (20,000 adults die of influenza every year in the United States.)
Pneumococcal vaccine ("pneumonia shot")	Adolescents and adults under age 65: If you have chronic health problems, consult your doctor or nurse to determine whether you should receive a "pneumonia shot." Adults 65 and over: A "pneumonia shot' is recommended for adults when they are 65 years old. If you are over 65 and have never gotten a "pneumonia shot," make sure you ask your doctor or nurse to give it to you. (40,000 people die of pneumonia each year in the United States.) Some high-risk people may need a second dose. Ask your doctor or nurse.