VPDC

Adults

Why Vaccinate?Updated 9-29-25

Vaccines help the body create protective antibodies—proteins that help to fight off infections. By getting vaccinated, individuals can protect themselves and avoid spreading preventable diseases to others.

Adult Immunization Schedule

LACDPH is aligned with the California Department of Public Health immunization recommendations which are informed by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The AAFP develops adult vaccine recommendations based on extensive research and evidence. The AAFP strongly recommends on-time routine immunization of all adults according to the recommended schedule

Click here for the recommended vaccines schedule for adults.

Vaccine Recommendations
  • COVID-19 vaccine: This vaccine is updated from time to time to protect against the latest strains of the virus. All who choose protection are recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccines but staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is especially important for individuals with conditions that may put them at increased risk of disease and anyone who is in close contact with others with risk factors.
  • Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine: Individuals should get 1 dose every year in the fall to reduce the risk of having severe infection.
  • Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine: 1 dose of this vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. A booster may be needed every 10 years.
  • Varicella: Adults may need to receive up to two doses if born after 1980.
  • HPV: Adults ages 19-26 years of age may need to receive 2-3 doses depending on the age at which they received the first dose.
    • Adults between the ages of 27-45 may still be able to receive the vaccine after consulting with their doctor.
  • Hepatitis A: 2 doses given 6 months apart are recommended to protect against hepatitis A infection.
  • Hepatitis B: Multiple doses (2 – 4) of hep B vaccine are recommended for protection against the hepatitis B virus.
  • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): 2 doses of MMR vaccine if an individual doesn't have evidence of immunity.  Doses should be separated at least 28 days apart.
  • Polio: 3 doses of polio vaccine (inactivated polio vaccine [IPV]) are recommended for protection against the virus. If an individual is unvaccinated or has not completed the vaccine series (previously received 1 or 2 doses of either IPV or oral polio vaccine [OPV]), it’s recommended they receive 1 or 2 doses of IPV to complete the series. Adults at increased risk for polio exposure may get 1 additional lifetime booster dose of IPV.
  • Mpox: 2 doses of mpox vaccine given at least 28 days apart are recommended for persons 18 years and older with certain risk factors.
  • RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine: For people aged 75 and older, 1 dose protects against the respiratory syncytial virus.
    • Adults 50-74 years at higher risk of severe RSV disease are recommended to receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. They should consult with their provider for more information.
  • Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine: 1 dose of this vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. A booster may be needed every 10 years.
  • Pneumococcal vaccines: Adults aged 50 and older should receive at least 1 dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
  • Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for all adults who’ve never received the vaccine or who request vaccination.
  • Hepatitis B: Adults aged 60 and older with known risk factors can request to receive this vaccine.
  • COVID-19 vaccine: Persons who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum or lactating are recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine: Staying up to date with the flu vaccine provides protection for the pregnant person and their newborn during the first months of life until the baby can receive their own flu vaccine.
  • RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine: Pregnant people can get a single dose of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during September through January to protect their newborn against RSV.
  • Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine: The Tdap vaccine should be given during weeks 27 through 36 of each pregnancy to protect their infant against pertussis.
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine: Pregnant persons who have not previously been vaccinated against hepatitis B should get a hepatitis B vaccine during pregnancy to protect themselves and their baby from infection and diseases caused by the hepatitis B virus.
  • COVID-19 vaccine: People with weakened immune systems are recommended to receive at least two age-appropriate doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine 6 months (minimum interval 2 months) apart; may receive additional doses based on discussions with their healthcare provider or if previously unvaccinated.
  • Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine: Adults 65 or older, or 18 -64 and have received an organ transplant and are taking immunosuppressive medication, should ask their provider about the high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccine.
  • RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine: For people aged 75 and older, one dose protects against severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). One dose of RSV is recommended for adults aged 50-74 who are at higher risk of severe RSV, including immunocompromised individuals.
  • Pneumococcal vaccines: Adults 19-49 years of age with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors are recommended to receive 1-2 doses of pneumococcal vaccine.
  • Meningococcal vaccine: May be recommended for adults with weakened immune systems.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine: 1-3 doses may be needed depending on an individuals medical condition and the number of doses previously received.

Individuals should talk with their doctor or other healthcare professional at their next medical appointment to find out which vaccines are recommended.

  • COVID-19 vaccine: Adults aged 18 – 64 years at higher risk for severe disease should receive least 1 dose of the updated COVID 19 vaccine. All adults 65 years and older should receive at least one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccines as indicated above.
  • Seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine: Adults should get 1 dose every year, especially in the fall, to reduce the risk of getting the flu.
  • RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine: 1 dose protects adults against the severe complications of respiratory syncytial virus.
    • People ages 75 and older are recommended to receive 1 dose.
    • Adults 50-74 years of age at risk of severe RSV disease are recommended to receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. They should consult with their provider for more information.
  • Pneumococcal vaccines: Adults 19-49 years of age with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors, 1 -2 doses are recommended.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine: This 2 - 4 dose series is recommended for persons 60 years and older with known risk factors such as chronic liver disease. Additional doses may be recommended for people with chronic conditions based on risk factors after consulting with your provider.
  • Meningococcal vaccine: May be recommended for adults with chronic conditions. They should consult with their doctor to see if additional doses are needed.

Individuals should talk with their doctor or other healthcare professional at their next medical appointment to find out which vaccines are recommended.

Where to Find Vaccines

There are many places where adults can get vaccinated. Most insurance policies cover recommended vaccines and there are resources available to help cover the cost if you are uninsured.

If you have insurance:

  • At your healthcare provider or pediatricians’ office.
  • Retail pharmacies, such as Rite Aid or CVS.

If you don't have insurance or are underinsured:

  • Public Health Centers
  • For a list of free and low-cost vaccine clinic locations in Los Angeles County, click here.

Vaccine Finder Tools:

Paying for Vaccines

California state law ensures Californians have insurance coverage for immunizations recommended by the California Department of Public Health at no cost.

There are several ways to pay for vaccines, including programs available to help people who can’t afford to pay for recommended vaccines:

  • Private Insurance
    • All Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most other private insurance plans must cover certain vaccines without charging a copayment or coinsurance when provided by an in-network provider. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.
  • Medicare
    • Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D plans will pay for some or all adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Contact your plan to find out about coverage.
  • Medicaid
    • Beginning October 1, 2023 most adults with coverage from Medicaid and CHIP will be guaranteed coverage of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice at no cost to them.
  • Military
    • If a person serves in the military or is a military dependent, they are eligible for TRICARE.
  • If you don't have insurance
    • Free and low-cost vaccination clinics can be found here. Additionally visit www.HealthCare.gov to learn about affordable health coverage options.
Flyers
Vaccines for Pregnant People

English | Translations Pending (9/29/25)
Vaccines for people with Weakened Immune Systems

English | Translations Pending (9/29/25)
Vaccines for persons with Chronic Conditions

English | | Translations Pending (9/29/25)
Vaccines for Older Adults

English | Translations Pending (9/29/25)
More Information

General Vaccine Information

Locating Vaccine Sites


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  • Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.

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