As a family physician, I love vaccines! Vaccines are among the safest and most effective tools modern medicine has to prevent serious illness. I’m increasingly concerned by a trend in clinics while talking with patients: vaccines are becoming harder to access—either because of availability or insurance coverage limitations.

This is a troubling development, as many critical vaccines are needed in adolescence and adulthood, not just in childhood. Delays or inability to get vaccines due to cost or supply issues may leave patients vulnerable to preventable diseases like HPV-related cancers, pneumonia, and shingles.

Let’s review what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for individuals age 11 and up, and why timely vaccination is so important.

🔹 CDC-Recommended Vaccines (Age 11 and Older)

Age 11–12:

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): One-time dose, followed by a Td or Tdap (which has both tetanus and pertussis vaccines) booster every 10 years.
• HPV Vaccine Series (Human Papillomavirus): A Two-dose series for ages 9–14 or it’s a three-dose series if starting at age 15 or older.
  • Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY): First dose at age 11–12. Booster dose at age 16.

Age 16–18:

• Meningococcal B Vaccine (MenB): Shared decision-making for ages 16–23, ideally before college or before joining the military.

Age 19–49:

• Flu Vaccine (Annually): For everyone age 6 months and older. This helps you not die from the flu infection.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Stay up-to-date with current recommendations, including updated boosters.
• Td or Tdap Booster: Every 10 years.

Age 50–64:

• Shingrix (Shingles vaccine): Recommended starting at age 50, regardless of prior shingles history. Two-dose series with the vaccine 2 months or more apart.
• Pneumococcal Vaccines: Is now recommended at age 50.

Age 65 and older:

• Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23): One dose at age 65 or older if not previously received.
• Continue annual flu vaccine, COVID-19 boosters, and maintain Tdap schedule.

🔹 Why Vaccine Access Matters

The cost of HPV, Shingrix, and pneumococcal vaccines can be substantial—hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket—if not covered. While the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program helps cover vaccines for those under 19, adults often face more fragmented support.

🔹 What You Can Do

1. Check your vaccination record and ask your healthcare provider what you’re due for. Don’t wait! Just get them!
2. Contact your insurance company to confirm which vaccines are covered and where to get them.
3. Advocate for access—tell your insurer, pharmacist, or clinic if you’re having trouble obtaining a recommended vaccine.
4. Stay informed through the CDC’s adult vaccine schedule:
   📎 CDC Adult Immunization Schedule

As your family doctor, I want to make it easy—not harder—for you to stay healthy. Vaccines work best when they’re available, affordable, and up to date. Let’s protect each other and speak up when those protections are at risk.