Vaccinations Guidelines for Adults

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect your health. They help prevent serious illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, and more. By getting vaccinated, you protect not only yourself but also those around you—especially infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccines reduce the spread of disease, prevent complications, and can even save lives.

For a full overview of recommended vaccines for adults, visit the CDC’s guide here: CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule

While childhood vaccinations are critical, adult immunization is just as important. Recommended adult vaccines may include:

• Influenza
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
• Shingles (Shingrix)
• Pneumonia (Prevnar, Pneumovax)
• COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Hepatitis A & B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• RSV (for select populations)

Specific recommendations can vary depending on your age, health conditions, travel plans, or occupational risks.

You can view our guidelines here: Inspire Internal Medicine Vaccination Guidelines

Most vaccines are fully covered by insurance, especially those recommended by the CDC and ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices). Coverage may depend on your specific insurance plan, your age, and the vaccine in question. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm coverage before receiving a vaccine.

In some cases, especially for Medicare patients, you may be asked to sign an ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice) before receiving a vaccine. This form outlines potential costs if the vaccine is not covered by Medicare.

Please note: Vaccines are exempt from any discounts or adjustments, including for self-pay patients. All patients are responsible for the full vaccine cost if it is not covered by insurance.

Some vaccines may be administered through your pharmacy due to manufacturer or insurance distribution restrictions. Pharmacies often receive direct supply or offer broader insurance coverage for these vaccines.

If a vaccine is not available in our office, we can provide a prescription or referral for you to receive it at a local pharmacy.

Our team will review your medical history, immunization records, and current guidelines to recommend appropriate vaccines for you. Be sure to bring any records from previous providers or immunization cards to your appointment.

Recent measles outbreaks in the United States have raised concerns about vaccine coverage. While most vaccinated adults do not require a booster, and have immunity from prior vaccination or previous infection, certain groups should review their immunization status:

• Adults born before 1957: are considered to have “presumptive evidence” of immunity, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease during childhood. These adults do not need additional immunizations.
• Adults vaccinated between 1963 and 1967: This period saw the use of an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine, which was less effective. If you were vaccinated then, consider getting a dose of the current live attenuated MMR vaccine.
• High-risk exposure adults: Individuals such as healthcare workers, international travelers, and students at post-secondary institutions should ensure they are up-to-date with MMR vaccinations, as they are at increased risk of exposure.
• Adults unsure of immune status: Many adults are unaware of immunization history. You can research Maryland vaccine records here: myirmobile.com or from other states here: www.cdc.gov/iis/contacts-locate-records. If you are still unsure, you can request a blood test to check to see if you have antibodies to measles which confirms that you are immune.

The measles vaccine is a safe and very effective vaccine, however it is a “live” vaccine, meaning that it contains a small, weakened dose of the virus. While this is safe for most people, individuals with a weakened immune system should discuss with their provider first. For comprehensive guidelines, refer to the CDC's recommendations on measles vaccination.

Yes! You can view and print your immunization history through our patient portal. Simply log in and navigate to the “My Health” section to access your records. Our portal syncs with the Maryland state immunization registry (ImmuNet), so your vaccine history should be up to date and accurate.

You can also access your official state immunization records directly through the Maryland Immunization Registry at: https://myirmobile.com

If you need help accessing or printing your records from either source, our team is happy to assist you.

Call our office or send us a message through the patient portal. We’re here to help you stay up-to-date and protected.