Vaccines & Preventable Diseases:
Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases
Vaccines aren't just for kids. Far too many adults become ill, are disabled, and die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines. Thus everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations.
On this page:
Adult Immunization Schedule
Take a few minutes to find out if you are at risk for any of the diseases listed below, and then discuss the Adult Immunization Schedule or the results of this vaccine quiz with your health care provider.
Or download the Adult Immunization Scheduler tool and create a customized printout of vaccines you need. You can request "email updates" and receive an alert when the adult recommended vaccination schedule changes (and the updates are incorporated into the tool).
Vaccine-preventable Diseases
Watch a short, fun video that highlights the need for adults to get vaccinated against serious diseases.
The following is a list of diseases that can be prevented by immunization. Some immunizations are vital for most adults, especially senior citizens. Others are appropriate for only certain people.
Especially serious diseases for adults age 65 or older:
Diphtheria | Herpes Zoster (shingles) | Influenza (flu) | Pneumococcal | Tetanus (lockjaw)
Short descriptions of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases:
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Content last reviewed on February 21, 2012
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases