Vaccines and preventive care: What every adult should know
Last updated 9/17/2026
Vaccines help protect you from serious illnesses and keep you healthy. When you are less likely to get sick, you’ll have more time for your family, friends, and hobbies.
Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can protect your health, reduce your risk of illness, and give you peace of mind.
Key facts about vaccines
- Vaccines help keep you healthy by protecting against serious diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatitis B, and HPV.
- Annual flu vaccines are recommended for all adults, and a Tdap vaccine followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
- You can receive most vaccinations at your primary doctor’s office.
- Vaccines are tested regularly and monitored for safety.
Your annual wellness visit is a good time to talk with your doctor about vaccines. Your doctor can tell you what you need based on your age, health condition, job, lifestyle, and travel habits.
It is recommended for all adults to receive a seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults.
Every adult should receive a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine if they did not receive it as a child to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). This vaccine should be followed by a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine with each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks.
What diseases do vaccines protect you from?
Vaccines can help prevent or lessen the symptoms of various diseases. Some of these include:
- Seasonal flu (influenza): During the 2024-2025 flu season, the flu vaccination prevented approximately 10 million flu-related illnesses, 5 million flu-related medical visits, 180,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 12,000 flu-related deaths in the United States.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia: In 2022, 1.2 million visits to the emergency department were caused by pneumonia due to infectious organisms as the primary diagnosis.
- Chronic hepatitis B: It is estimated that about 640,000 adults in the United States have chronic (long-term) hepatitis B, which can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.
- HPV: HPV causes about 36,000 cancers in women and men each year. More than 42 million Americans are infected with types of disease-causing HPV.
How do I know if my vaccinations are up to date?
To find out if your vaccinations are up to date, you will need to locate your vaccination record. This document lists all the vaccines you had as a child and as an adult.
If you cannot find your vaccination record, you should ask your doctor if you are missing or need any vaccinations.
Where can I get vaccinated?
You can receive most vaccinations at your primary doctor’s office.
However, many pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, schools, and churches provide vaccinations. Tell your primary care doctor if you receive a vaccination outside of their office so that your health record is up to date.
How are vaccinations tested?
All vaccinations are tested before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves them for administration to patients. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to monitor them and track their safety.
Vaccines are developed through research and testing. The clinical development state, called a clinical trial, is a multi-phase process that vaccines go through before being manufactured and approved. This trial helps collect data to identify if the vaccine is safe and effective.
The FDA continues to monitor the vaccine product’s quality by testing the safety, purity, and effectiveness of a sample from each batch, or “lot,” of the vaccine made by manufacturers.
We’re here to help you stay healthy
Making sure that your vaccinations are up to date starts with preventive care visits. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, use MyCareFinder to find primary care providers in your area.
FAQs
How often should I review my vaccination status?
It is recommended to review your vaccination status during your annual wellness visit or whenever factors like your health, work, or travel plans change.
Do adults need vaccines?
Yes, adults need vaccines throughout their lives, including the annual flu vaccine and regular Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) boosters.
Who should I talk to if I have questions about vaccines?
Your primary care doctor is the best source of information about which vaccines you need and will be able to answer any questions you may have about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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This is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. The information provided is meant for a general audience. Capital Blue Cross and its affiliated companies believe this health education resource provides useful information but does not assume any liability associated with its use.