What are the CDC guidelines for vaccinations?

CDC Guidelines for Vaccinations

The CDC recommends specific vaccination schedules for adults based on age, medical conditions, and other risk factors, with vaccines administered according to standardized schedules to optimize protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. 1

Adult Vaccination Recommendations by Age Group

For All Adults:

• Annual influenza vaccination is universally recommended 1
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap): One-time Tdap dose followed by Td or Tdap booster every 10 years 1
• COVID-19 vaccination: Recommended according to current guidelines 1

Age-Specific Recommendations:

• Ages 19-26 years:

  • HPV vaccine (2 or 3 doses depending on age at initial vaccination) 1
  • MMR (1 or 2 doses if born in 1957 or later without evidence of immunity) 1
  • Varicella (2 doses if born in 1980 or later without evidence of immunity) 1

• Ages 27-49 years:

  • HPV vaccine through age 45 years (shared clinical decision-making) 1
  • Continue standard adult vaccines (Td/Tdap, influenza) 1

• Ages 50-64 years:

  • Zoster recombinant vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) - 2 doses starting at age 50 1
  • Continue standard adult vaccines 1

• Ages ≥65 years:

  • Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) 1
  • Preferential recommendation for high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines 1
  • Zoster recombinant vaccine if not previously vaccinated 1

Medical Condition-Based Recommendations

The CDC provides specific vaccination recommendations for adults with:

Pregnancy:

• Tdap during each pregnancy (preferably 27-36 weeks gestation) 1
• Influenza vaccine (inactivated) recommended during any trimester 1
• Avoid live vaccines (MMR, varicella, live attenuated influenza) 1

Immunocompromising Conditions:

• Avoid live vaccines (contraindicated) 1
• Additional pneumococcal vaccination recommended 1
• Meningococcal vaccination may be indicated 1

Chronic Medical Conditions:

• Pneumococcal vaccines for those with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, liver disease 1, 2
• Hepatitis B vaccine for persons with diabetes, chronic liver disease, HIV, or end-stage renal disease 1, 2
• Hepatitis A vaccine for those with chronic liver disease 1

Healthcare Personnel:

• Annual influenza vaccination 1
• Hepatitis B vaccination series 1
• MMR and varicella vaccines if no evidence of immunity 1

Implementation Considerations

• Documentation: Maintain complete vaccination records to avoid unnecessary revaccination 2
• Timing: Administer vaccines according to recommended schedules to optimize protection 2
• Missed doses: Do not restart or add doses to vaccine series if there are extended intervals between doses 1
• Simultaneous administration: Most vaccines can be administered during the same visit 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Missed opportunities: Failing to assess vaccination status at every healthcare encounter
2. Misconceptions about contraindications: Incorrectly assuming mild illness precludes vaccination
3. Inadequate documentation: Not maintaining complete vaccination records
4. Age-based oversights: Neglecting vaccines recommended for specific age groups
5. Overlooking high-risk conditions: Not identifying medical conditions that warrant additional vaccines

The CDC updates these guidelines regularly through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), with the most current recommendations available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules 1.