Adult Immunizations

The need for vaccinations does not end in childhood. Vaccines are an important step in protecting adults against several serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

You may not realize that you need vaccines throughout your life. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. You are also at risk for different diseases as an adult. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.

In the United States, vaccines have greatly reduced infectious diseases that once routinely harmed or killed many infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease still exist and can cause illness in people who are not protected by vaccines. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans still suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, and even die from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines.

The DPH Immunization Program works to ensure that adult patients in Connecticut are immunized and have protection from serious vaccine preventable diseases. In Connecticut, vaccines for adults are ordered and distributed through the private sector. DPH partners with healthcare providers, community partners, pharmacies, and local health departments to improve access to vaccines and to implement the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Standards for Adult Immunization Practices.

• Adult Immunization Schedule
• Influenza Recommendations
• Pneumococcal Recommendations
• Pneumococcal Vaccine Timing
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
• Shingles Fact Sheet
• HPV Recommendations

The good news is that getting vaccinated is easier than you think. Adults can get vaccinated at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, workplaces, and some local health departments. 

• LHD Flu Clinics
  

Visit vaccine.healthmap.org to help find a vaccine provider near you. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of recommended vaccines – a call to your insurance provider can give you the details.

Visit Shingrix vaccine locator.  Just type in the zip code and the number of miles and it will give a list of sites who have the vaccine. Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults 50 years and older.

You have the power to protect yourself and the ones you love. The DPH Immunization Program encourages all adults to talk to their healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for them and to get vaccinated. To learn more about vaccines and take a quick quiz to find out which vaccines you may need, visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults. 

Keep Your Vaccine Records Up to Date Vaccination records provide a history of all immunizations from childhood to adulthood. These records may be required for certain jobs, travel abroad, or school registration.