Required and Recommended Immunizations for Adults

An immunization schedule is a complete list of available vaccines and a timeline of when to get them. To stay healthy, adults should review the immunization schedule and make sure they are up to date.

Required vs. Recommended in North Carolina

Adults who go to college or university must get certain vaccines. Otherwise, most adults are not required to receive vaccinations in North Carolina. Read about the N.C. Immunization Law.

See below for the groups of adults that should receive certain vaccines.

Recommendations for Pregnancy

On-Time Vaccines

Your age, lifestyle, medical conditions and travel plans affect which vaccines you need. Talk to your doctor about the vaccines you need to keep you and your baby healthy.

Whooping cough is an important vaccine to get during pregnancy. You'll need a whooping cough vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

Cocooning

"Cocooning" means vaccinating anyone who comes in close contact with babies. Family members, caregivers and health care professionals make up a baby's cocoon. Cocooning's indirect protection keeps newborns safe at their most vulnerable.

More Resources

• Vaccines and Pregnancy
• Protecting Babies from Whooping Cough (PDF)

Recommendations for Health Care Workers

Adult care home employees must receive an annual influenza immunization. This protects you and your patients from vaccine-preventable disease.

• § 131D-9. Immunization of employees and residents of adult care homes
• Vaccines and Health Care Workers (PDF)

Recommendations for Older Adults

Adult care home residents must be immunized against influenza and pneumonia each year.

• § 131D-9. Immunization of employees and residents of adult care homes