Vaccination of College Students and Young Adults (19 to 26 years old)
Vaccines are not just for children. Vaccines are needed throughout your adult life as well to help you stay healthy. Over time, immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off and you may be at risk for new and different diseases.
Vaccines Recommended for Adults Ages 19–26
- Tdap vaccine which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough).
- HPV vaccine which protects against the human papillomaviruses that cause most cervical cancers, anal cancer, and genital warts.
- Seasonal flu vaccine which protects against influenza.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.
Some vaccines may be recommended for adults because of particular job or school-related requirements, health conditions, lifestyle or other factors. For example, some states require students entering colleges and universities to be vaccinated against certain diseases like meningitis due to increased risk among college students living in residential housing. Read more about state mandates or use this tool to get your state’s vaccination requirements.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to find out if there are other vaccines that you may need. You can also review the Adult Immunization Schedule [243KB, 2 pages] or take this simple quiz to determine which vaccines you need and create a customized printout to take with you to your next medical appointment.
Health Coverage for 19-26 year olds
Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans that cover children now allow parents to add or keep children on the health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. Visit healthcare.gov for more information.
If you aren't sure which vaccines you've received in the past, there are many ways you can find your vaccinations records.
Military Service Members and Dependents
If you serve in the military or are a military dependent, see Military Vaccine Agency to learn more about vaccination programs to protect you.
International Travel
Are you planning on visiting or living abroad? Depending on where you're traveling, you may need certain vaccinations. Learn about countries where certain vaccine-preventable diseases are more common and if you might need a vaccine before you travel.
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