Image by Gustavo Fring

The U.S. Department of Human & Health Services reports that thousands of adults in the United States get sick and are hospitalized from vaccine-preventable diseases every year. Although there has been an increase of vaccinated adults due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other vaccines that are just as important to help you stay healthy. 

All adults are recommended to get the following vaccines:

Flu Vaccine – All adults need a flu vaccine every year. It is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults, since they are at higher risk of flu complications.

Tdap Vaccine/Td Vaccine – Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it when they were younger to protect against whooping cough, followed by a Td booster shot (tetanus & diphtheria only) every 10 years.

COVID-19 Vaccine - This vaccine protects against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. It is especially important for people with certain underlying health conditions since they are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

However, there are some vaccines, in addition to the ones above, that are specific to age groups.

Ages 19-49

• • HPV Vaccine -This vaccine protects against six strains of HPV that can lead to cancer and other diseases. The CDC recommends HPV vaccine for men and women up to age 26 if they weren’t vaccinated when they were younger.
  • MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine – According to the CDC, individuals born after 1957 need at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine unless a laboratory has confirmed that they have had a past measles infection or are immune to the virus.

Ages 50+

• • Shingles Vaccine – This protects against shingles and complications from the disease. It is recommended for all healthy adults starting at age 50.
  • Pneumococcal Vaccine – Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions. 

How We Help

Our TRICARE Prime plan insures age-appropriate doses of vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can get covered vaccines from any TRICARE-authorized provider. 

Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 and we will walk you quickly through the process and help find the best plan for you.