Adult Vaccination Recommendations: Essential Shots for Adults in India

Adult immunization protects against diseases that still pose significant health risks beyond childhood. Medical experts and public health authorities categorize the following five vaccines as particularly important for adults, depending on age and health status.

In an Instagram post shared by Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Neurology (AIIMS), she shares the most important vaccinations adults should consider getting.

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Initially designed for people aged 9 to 26, this vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer. Women between 26 and 45 years should consult a gynecologist and undergo a Pap smear to determine their HPV status before considering vaccination.

2. Tetanus (DPT) Booster During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should receive a tetanus booster, often given in combination as DPT (diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus), to prevent neonatal tetanus. This protects newborns from potentially fatal infections by boosting maternal antibody levels before birth.

3. Annual Influenza Vaccine
Every year, the influenza virus evolves, requiring a yearly vaccine that matches current strains. Adults should receive the flu shot annually to maintain protection as the virus changes.

4. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
Shingles develops when the varicella (chickenpox) virus reactivates, causing painful blisters in a localized area. Adults older than 50 are recommended to receive the shingles vaccine to prevent this condition. Individuals under 50 with chronic lung or kidney disease, long-term steroid use, or weakened immunity should also receive it.

5. Pneumococcal Vaccine
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes community-acquired pneumonia, a leading illness among older adults in India. Adults aged 65 and above should be vaccinated. Those aged 50 to 65 with risk factors—such as chronic lung or kidney disease, liver disease, smoking, or a compromised immune system—are also advised to receive this vaccine.

These recommendations align with established immunization guidelines. Adult vaccination depends on previous childhood immunization, health condition, age, lifestyle, and occupational or travel requirements according to a guideline published in Indian Journal of Nephrology. ^[1] The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the United States published an updated addendum in CDC website with detailed schedules for adults based on age and health status recently (August 7). ^[2]

In India, the Association of Physicians of India (API) released updated adult immunization guidelines in 2024. These emphasize the importance of vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and herpes zoster, especially for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, older adults, and individuals with chronic diseases. ^[3]

Vaccination in adulthood is not common in many parts of India but remains essential. Infectious diseases continue to contribute significantly to illness and death. Expanding adult immunization could reduce this burden, particularly among vulnerable and aging populations

References:

1. Singh, Anju, Harish Kumar, and Nikhil Tandon. 2016. “Guidelines for Vaccination in Normal Adults in India.” Journal of Clinical and Preventive Medicine 3 (Suppl S1): 1–5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4928530/.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2025. “Adult Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum Updated August 7, 2025).” CDC Vaccines & Immunizations. Accessed September 4, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html.

3. Dhawan, Aditi M., Anish Desai, Aanchal Gvalani, Sunaina Anand, and Priyanka Das. 2025. “A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Indian Guidelines on Adult Immunization.” International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health 12 (2): 1159–1165. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20250354.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)