Adult boosters run on different clocks. Tdap is every 10 years. Flu is every year. Shingrix is a two-dose series starting at 50. Here's exactly when each one is due and how to make sure you don't miss the window.
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The CDC Adult Immunization Schedule covers 16 vaccines, but most healthy adults only need to track a handful on a routine basis. Here are the ones with recurring booster intervals.
| Vaccine | Who Needs It | Booster Interval | Next Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tdap / Td | All adults | Every 10 years | 10 years after last Tdap or Td |
| Flu | All adults | Every year | Each fall (September–October target) |
| COVID-19 | Most adults | Annually (updated formula) | Once per season; more often if immunocompromised |
| Shingrix (shingles) | Adults 50+ | 2-dose series | Dose 2: 2–6 months after dose 1 |
| Pneumococcal (PCV20/PPSV23) | Adults 65+, some younger with conditions | One-time or series | Depends on prior vaccination history |
| RSV (Abrysvo/Mresvia) | Adults 60+ | Single dose (annual review) | Discuss timing with your doctor each fall |
Source: CDC Adult Immunization Schedule 2026. Eligibility varies by medical history — confirm with your provider for personalized recommendations.
Tetanus boosters are due every 10 years, but most adults can't say when they last had one. Unlike annual flu shots, there's no seasonal trigger. The 10-year window sounds long enough to remember, but it rarely is.
One Tdap is recommended at some point in adulthood (it covers pertussis in addition to tetanus and diphtheria). After that, either Td or Tdap is acceptable for the every-10-year follow-up. Pregnant adults should get Tdap once per pregnancy, ideally between weeks 27 and 36, regardless of when they last had a booster.
Some boosters only apply starting at a certain age. Here's what gets added to the list over time.
The calculation is simple once you have your last vaccination date. Find it in your records (doctor portal, pharmacy history, or state immunization registry — see our guide on tracking vaccine records). Then add the interval.
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Tdap (or Td) is the most common 10-year booster for adults. It protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Most adults receive one Tdap followed by Td or Tdap every 10 years thereafter.
The flu vaccine is the main annual shot for most adults. COVID-19 boosters are also recommended annually for most people as the CDC updates the formula each season.
Most adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. Adults born in 1957 or later who lack evidence of immunity may need 1 or 2 MMR doses. Your doctor can check your records or run a titer test to confirm immunity.
Adults 50 and older should get the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine — a two-dose series separated by 2 to 6 months. It is 91% effective and recommended even if you've had shingles before or received the older Zostavax vaccine.
No. For most vaccines, you pick up where you left off. A Tdap given 12 years after the previous one still counts — you just had a gap in protection. The CDC recommends restarting only for specific multi-dose series if intervals become too long.
Find the date of your last dose in your vaccination records (doctor portal, pharmacy, or state immunization registry). Add the recommended interval: 1 year for flu, 10 years for Tdap, 2–6 months between Shingrix doses. Then set a reminder for that date.
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