Adult vaccination, part 1: vaccines indicated by age. Teaching Immunization for Medical Education (TIME) Project

The morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases among adults are high, particularly among populations at high risk because of underlying medical conditions. Influenza vaccination is recommended annually, optimally during campaigns held between October and mid-November, for all persons 50 years and older and for younger persons with high-risk conditions. Because of production delays, influenza vaccination campaigns are delayed until November of this year. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination is recommended for healthy persons 65 years and older and younger persons with high-risk conditions. A 3-dose series of adult tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) is recommended for those who have not had a primary series or whose vaccination history is uncertain. Adults who have completed the primary vaccination series should receive a booster dose of Td vaccine every 10 years. Specific strategies for improving the rate of these vaccinations have been developed for medical offices and clinics, hospitals, and other health care institutions, and other settings where there is high risk of vaccine-preventable disease.