Table: Protecting Adults Through Vaccines - Merck Manuals Consumer Version

Protecting Adults Through Vaccines

Disease*	Who Should Be Vaccinated
Anthrax Anthrax Anthrax is a potentially fatal infection with Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up). Anthrax may affect the skin, the lungs, or,... read more	People who have been exposed to anthrax People who may be exposed to anthrax, such as the following: Some military personnel Some laboratory workers Veterinarians
Chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection with the varicella-zoster virus that causes a characteristic itchy rash, consisting of small, raised, blistered, or crusted spots. Chickenpox... read more (varicella)	All adults who have not had the vaccine or chickenpox
COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness that can be severe and is caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms of COVID-19 vary significantly. Two types of tests can be used to diagnose... read more	All people 6 months of age and older (vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) All people 12 years of age and older (vaccine made by Novavax) All adults 18 years of age and older (vaccine made by Janssen/Johnson & Johnson)
Diphtheria Diphtheria Diphtheria is a contagious, sometimes fatal infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) Corynebacterium diphtheriae... read more	All adults (usually as a combination vaccine with tetanus as Td or also with pertussis as Tdap) if they have not already been vaccinated Pregnant women should receive Tdap during each pregnancy
Ebola Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus Infections Marburg and Ebola virus infections cause bleeding and organ malfunction. These infections often result in death. Marburg and Ebola infections are spread through handling live or dead infected... read more	All adults in the United States who are at high risk of occupational exposure to Ebola because they are doing the following: Responding to an outbreak of Ebola virus disease Working as health care personnel at federally designated Ebola treatment centers in the United States Working as laboratory personnel or as other staff at biosafety level 4 facilities in the United States
Haemophilus influenzae type b infections Haemophilus influenzae Infections Haemophilus influenzae are gram-negative bacteria that can cause infection in the respiratory tract, which can spread to other organs. Infection is spread through sneezing, coughing,... read more (such as meningitis)	Adults who have not been vaccinated and who are at increased risk, such as the following: People who do not have a spleen or their spleen does not work well People who have a weakened immune system (such as those with AIDS) People who have had chemotherapy for cancer People who have had stem cell transplantation Stem Cell Transplantation Stem cell transplantation is the removal of stem cells (undifferentiated cells) from a healthy person and their injection into someone who has a serious blood disorder. (See also Overview of... read more
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A Acute hepatitis A is inflammation of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis A virus and that lasts less than 6 months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when people ingest something that has... read more	Adults who have not been vaccinated and who are at increased risk, such as the following: People who travel to or work in areas where the infection is common People who use illegal drugs (such as methamphetamine) Men who have sex with men People who have a chronic liver disorder or high levels of certain liver enzymes in their blood Healthy adults 40 years or under who have recently been exposed to hepatitis A virus People who anticipate close contact with an adopted child during the first 60 days after the child arrives in the United States from an area where hepatitis A is common People who are homeless Pregnant women who are identified to be at risk of getting hepatitis A infection during pregnancy (such as women who are international travelers, who use illicit drugs [injected or not], who may be exposed at work, who anticipate close personal contact with an international adopted child, or who are homeless) or who are at risk of getting very sick or dying of hepatitis A virus infection (such as women who have chronic liver disease or HIV infection)
Hepatitis B Hepatitis B, Acute Acute hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis B virus and that lasts from a few weeks up to 6 months. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or other... read more	All adults 19–59 years of age and adults 60 years of age and older with risk factors for hepatitis B. Adults 60 years of age and older without known risk factors for hepatitis B may also receive hepatitis B. Risk factors include the following: Health care or public safety workers Travelers to areas where the infection is common People with a chronic liver disorder or high levels of certain liver enzymes in their blood People with kidney failure Overview of Kidney Failure This chapter includes a new section on COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI). Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to adequately filter metabolic waste products from the blood. Kidney... read more who need dialysis People who inject illegal drugs People who have had more than one sex partner during the past 6 months People who need to be evaluated or treated for a sexually transmitted infection Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases are infections that are typically, but not exclusively, passed from person to person through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections may be caused... read more Men who have sex with men Sex partners and household contacts of people known to be carriers of hepatitis B People with HIV infection Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells and can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted... read more People who have diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Urination and thirst are... read more People who have spent time (as patients, residents, or employees) in correctional facilities or in facilities that provide services for people at high risk of hepatitis B (such as substance abuse treatment centers, sites for injection drug use, hemodialysis centers, institutions for people with developmental disabilities, and places where people with sexually transmitted infections or HIV infection are tested and treated)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections Haemophilus influenzae Infections Haemophilus influenzae are gram-negative bacteria that can cause infection in the respiratory tract, which can spread to other organs. Infection is spread through sneezing, coughing,... read more (such as meningitis)	All older children, adolescents, and adults who were not vaccinated and who are at increased risk of this infection, such as the following: People who do not have a spleen or their spleen does not work well People who have a weakened immune system (such as those who take immunosuppressive medications or those with AIDS) People who have had chemotherapy for cancer People who have had stem cell transplantation
Human papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. Some types of HPV cause skin warts, and other types cause genital warts (growths in or around the vagina, penis, or rectum). Infection with some HPV... read more (HPV)	All males and females who have not been previously vaccinated (typically at age 11 or 12 years) through age 26 years All adults aged 27 to 45 years should talk with their doctor about whether they should be vaccinated People who have a weakened immune system, including people with HIV
Influenza Influenza (Flu) Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the lungs and airways with one of the influenza viruses. It causes a fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches (myalgias), and a general... read more	All people over age 6 months
Measles Measles Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes various cold-like symptoms and a characteristic rash. Measles is caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, hacking cough... read more	All adults born in or after 1957 unless they have documentation of vaccination with one or more doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or laboratory tests detect evidence of measles immunity Always given as a combination vaccine with mumps and rubella (not available as a single vaccine)
Meningococcal meningitis Meningococcal Infections Meningococcal infections are caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) and include meningitis and sepsis. Infection is spread by direct contact with nasal and throat... read more	Certain people over age 55 People 16 to 23 years of age who want it People at increased risk, such as the following: People who do not have a spleen or their spleen does not work well (including sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic abnormality of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells) characterized by sickle (crescent)-shaped red blood cells and chronic... read more ) People with HIV infection People with certain immunodeficiency disorders People who take eculizumab or ravulizumab (drugs that block the complement system Complement System One of the body's lines of defense (immune system) involves white blood cells (leukocytes) that travel through the bloodstream and into tissues, searching for and attacking microorganisms and... read more ) Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to the bacteria Adolescents if they have not already been vaccinated First-year college students who live in dormitories who are 21 years old or younger and who have not been given a dose of the vaccine on or after their 16th birthday Military recruits Travelers to or residents of areas where the infection is common People who have been exposed during a meningitis outbreak
Mumps Mumps Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful enlargement of the salivary glands. The infection may also affect the testes, brain, and pancreas, especially in adults. Mumps is caused... read more	All adults born in or after 1957 unless they have documentation of vaccination with one or more doses of the MMR vaccine or laboratory tests detect evidence of mumps immunity Always given as a combination vaccine with measles and rubella (not available as a single vaccine)
Pertussis Pertussis Pertussis is a highly contagious infection caused by the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which results in fits of coughing that usually end in a prolonged, high-pitched,... read more (whooping cough)	All adults (usually given as a combination vaccine with tetanus and diphtheria as Tdap) if they have not already been vaccinated Pregnant women during each pregnancy
Pneumococcal infections Pneumococcal Infections Pneumococcal infections are caused by the gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci). These bacteria commonly... read more (such as meningitis and pneumonia)	All people aged 65 years and over Adults at increased risk, such as the following: People with a chronic heart, lung (including asthma Asthma Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow—usually reversibly—in response to certain stimuli. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that occur in response to specific triggers are... read more and emphysema Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is persistent narrowing (blocking, or obstruction) of the airways occurring with emphysema, chronic obstructive bronchitis, or both disorders. Cigarette... read more ), kidney, or liver disorder People with diabetes People with a cerebrospinal fluid leak People with a weakened immune system (including those with HIV infection Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells and can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted... read more , leukemia Overview of Leukemia Leukemias are cancers of white blood cells or of cells that develop into white blood cells. White blood cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. Sometimes the development goes awry... read more , lymphoma Overview of Lymphoma Lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes, which reside in the lymphatic system and in blood-forming organs. Lymphomas are cancers of a specific type of white blood cells known as lymphocytes. These... read more , or cancer, those who take drugs that suppress the immune system [immunosuppressants], and those who have had certain organ transplants Overview of Transplantation Transplantation is the removal of living, functioning cells, tissues, or organs from the body and then their transfer back into the same body or into a different body. The most common type of... read more ) People who do not have a spleen or their spleen does not work well (including those with sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic abnormality of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells) characterized by sickle (crescent)-shaped red blood cells and chronic... read more ) People who have a cochlear implant Cochlear Implants Many causes of hearing loss have no cure. In these cases, treatment involves compensating for the hearing loss as much as possible. Most people with moderate to severe loss use hearing aids... read more People who have an alcohol use disorder Adults who smoke cigarettes
Polio Polio Polio is a highly contagious, sometimes fatal enterovirus infection that affects nerves and can cause permanent muscle weakness, paralysis, and other symptoms. Polio is caused by a virus and... read more	Adults at increased risk, such as Travelers to areas where polio is common Laboratory workers who work with the polio virus People who treat people who may have polio
Rabies Rabies Rabies is a viral infection of the brain that is transmitted by animals and that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Once the virus reaches the spinal cord and brain, rabies is... read more	People who have been bitten by certain animals People who may be at increased risk of exposure to infected animals, such as Veterinarians and animal handlers Laboratory workers who handle animals that may be rabid People who explore bat caves People who live or stay more than 30 days in developing countries where rabies in dogs is widespread
Rubella Rubella Rubella is a contagious viral infection that typically causes mild symptoms, such as joint pain and a rash, but can cause severe birth defects if the mother becomes infected with rubella during... read more (German measles)	All adults born in or after 1957 unless they have documentation of vaccination with one or more doses of the MMR vaccine or laboratory tests detect evidence of rubella immunity Women who are planning on becoming pregnant and do not have immunity to rubella Always given as a combination vaccine with measles and mumps (not available as a single vaccine)
Shingles Shingles Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a viral infection that results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. What causes the virus to reactive... read more (herpes zoster)	People aged 50 and over People aged 19 and older who have or will have a weakened immune system because of a disease or treatment for a disease
Smallpox Smallpox Smallpox is a highly contagious, very deadly disease caused by the variola virus. The disease is now considered eliminated. There have been no cases of smallpox since 1977. People can acquire... read more	Not currently recommended except for people at high risk of being exposed to the smallpox virus, such as laboratory workers who directly handle the virus and related materials
Tetanus Tetanus Tetanus results from a toxin produced by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium tetani. The toxin makes muscles contract involuntarily and become rigid. Tetanus usually develops after a wound... read more	All adults every 10 years (usually as a combination vaccine with tetanus and diphtheria as Td or also with pertussis as Tdap) if they have not already been vaccinated Pregnant women should receive Tdap during each pregnancy
Typhoid Typhoid Fever Typhoid fever is caused by certain types of the gram-negative bacteria Salmonella. It typically causes a high fever and abdominal pain. Typhoid fever can be spread by consuming food or... read more	People traveling to areas where the infection is common People who have close contact with a typhoid carrier Transmission Laboratory workers who work with the bacteria that cause typhoid fever
Yellow fever Yellow Fever Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs mainly in the tropics. Yellow fever occurs only in the tropical areas of Central Africa, southern Panama, and South America. Some people... read more	People traveling to certain parts of Africa and South America, where the infection is common
* Vaccines are available in the United States for these infections.
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; Td = tetanus-diphtheria; Tdap = tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis.