Adult Immunization Frequently Asked Questions

Why are immunizations important?

Some diseases do not have a cure. Vaccines help prevent severe illness, which may lead to lifelong disability or even death. Fortunately, some diseases no longer exist because of vaccines. Vaccines are the most effective way to teach your immune system how to fight disease. Vaccines are important to help you stay healthy and can protect you from the suffering and high costs of being sick with a serious disease.

You can help protect people around you by getting vaccinated, especially for babies and people with chronic health conditions or a weak immune system who aren't able to be vaccinated. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions related to immunization for adults. They can tell you which vaccines are right for you. Look at these 10 Reasons to get vaccinated.

Which vaccines do adults need?

The Department of Health recommends you follow the American Academy of Family Physician’s Adults 19 and Older Immunization Schedule. For easy-to-read information on adult vaccines, visit Vaccinate Your Family’s Vaccines for Adults webpage.

Contact your primary health care provider or your pharmacy to get up to date with the following vaccines:

• Chickenpox
• COVID-19
• Flu
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Inactivated poliovirus
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal
• Mpox
• Pneumococcal
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Shingles
• Tdap and Td

You can visit our diseases and the vaccines that can prevent them webpage for more information, as well as Vaccinate Your Family’s vaccines and diseases webpage.

Where can I get my immunizations?

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist may carry vaccines. Your local health department or local hospital may administer flu, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines. Clinics offering vaccines may be available in shopping malls, grocery stores, senior centers, and other community settings. Many pharmacies offer immunizations. You can also go to vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you.

What do vaccines cost?

Private Health Care Plan

Most health insurance plans have preventive services coverage that includes vaccines. However, some people may have co-payments (fee at time of appointment) or other costs. Check with your doctor or clinic and your health insurance plan to determine your costs.

Medicaid/Apple Health

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients can get immunizations from their primary care provider, pharmacy, or local health department. This service isn't available for those in the Take Charge or Family Planning Only and the Alien Emergency Medical Only programs.

Medicare

Medicare covers preventive services, including vaccines. Part B (Medical Insurance) covers certain vaccines (like COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal shots). Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) (drug coverage) covers all the rest (like shingles, RSV, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) when medically necessary to prevent illness. You pay nothing out of pocket for Part D adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Contact your Medicare drug plan for more information about coverage.

Uninsured

The Washington State Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) provides some vaccines for adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured. This program is federally funded. The vaccines offered may change from year to year. Check with any health care provider to see if they participate in the program or go to the Department of Health map to find providers who participate in this program.

Are there side effects to immunizations?

Vaccines are well-tested and among the safest medicines available. Some common side effects are a sore arm or low-grade fever. As with any medicine, there is a very small risk that a serious problem could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the risks of possible side effects. Visit our vaccine safety webpage for more information.

What vaccines do I need if I'm traveling abroad?

Travel vaccines depend on where you are going. To find a local travel vaccination clinic, check your local pharmacies or contact your primary care provider’s office to see if they offer travel vaccines. Call your pharmacy or primary care provider’s office as early as possible to find out which immunizations you may need.

You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers' Health website for up-to-date information on immunization recommendations for international travelers and our Immunization for Travelers webpage for more information on travel vaccines.

What vaccines do I need if I'm pregnant?

Vaccines help protect you and your baby against serious diseases. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends you get flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Tdap (whooping cough) vaccines during pregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby. It's also safe for pregnant people to get routine vaccines right after giving birth, even if you are breast/chest feeding. Learn more: Making Vaccine Decisions During Pregnancy: What to Know.

• Vaccines During Pregnancy (ACOG)
• Resources for You (ACOG)
• Before, During, and After Pregnancy
• Pregnancy and Vaccination (PDF)

Do I need a personal immunization record?

Yes, everyone should have an immunization record. It helps you and your doctor make sure that you are fully protected. It may prevent revaccination during a health emergency or when you change doctors or pharmacies. Ask your doctor for an immunization record. Take it with you every time you visit your doctor. They can review and update it.

Learn more about options you have for accessing your family's immunization information. If you have immunization records from another state or country, ask your doctor to enter them into the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS) for you.

Access your immunization records at any time from the WAIIS through the consumer access portal, MyIR Mobile. It provides your immunization history and a schedule showing any vaccines you need.