The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine
The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine

Travel Medicine

Routine Vaccination Recommendations

What vaccinations are routinely recommended for adults, adolescents, and children?

Below is a listing of generally recommended vaccinations for adults, adolescents, and children. Some countries require foreign visitors to have these, or other inoculations or medical tests before entering the country.

For adults:

For adolescents:

 For young children:
Hepatitis A
For those at risk, and for travelers to countries where the disease is common.

Hepatitis A
For those at risk, and for travelers to countries where the disease is common.

Hepatitis A
A vaccine is recommended for children and adolescents in selected states and regions, and for certain high-risk groups.
Hepatitis B
For those at risk.

Hepatitis B
For those at risk.

 Hepatitis B
Influenza (flu)
Recommended yearly, during the early fall, to those 65 or older, and recommended for those younger than 65 who have medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, or for those who work or live in high-risk areas.

Influenza (flu)
Recommended for those younger than 65 who have medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, or for those who work or live in high-risk areas.

 Influenza (flu)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Two doses, one month apart, are recommended for adults born in 1957 or later if immunity cannot be proven. Should not be given to pregnant women or those considering pregnancy within three months of vaccination. Other exceptions: documentation that your have had at least one dose each of the measles, mumps, or rubella vaccines; other acceptable evidence of immunity to these three diseases; have a medical reason for not getting the vaccines.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Two doses, one month apart, are recommended for adults born in 1957 or later if immunity cannot be proved. Should not be given to pregnant women or those considering pregnancy within three months of vaccination. Other exceptions: documentation that your have had at least one dose each of the measles, mumps, or rubella vaccines; other acceptable evidence of immunity to these three diseases; have a medical reason for not getting the vaccines.

 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
Recommended to be given once at age 65 or older, and also recommended for those younger than 65 who have medical problems such as those listed for influenza, as well as those with kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia. Can be given at any time during the year.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
Recommended for those younger than 65 who have medical problems such as those listed for influenza, as well as those with kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia, or for those who work or live in high-risk areas. Can be given at any time during the year.

 Polio
Most people should get polio vaccines when they are children.
Tetanus, Diphtheria (td)
Given during childhood, a booster shot is recommended every 10 years.

Tetanus, Diphtheria (td)
Given during childhood, a booster shot is recommended every 10 years.

 Tetanus, Pertussis
Varicella (chickenpox)
Recommended for persons 13 years old and older who have not had chickenpox. Should not be given to pregnant women, or those considering pregnancy within three months of vaccination.

Varicella (chickenpox)
Recommended for persons 13 years old and older who have not had chickenpox. Should not be given to pregnant women, or those considering pregnancy within three months of vaccination.

 Varicella (chickenpox)