If you're a healthy adult in India, talk to your doctor about these seven vaccines:
- Annual flu (influenza) — every year, before October
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) — every 10 years
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) — up to age 45, for cancer prevention
- Hepatitis B — 3-dose series if not done as child
- Pneumococcal — at 65, earlier if diabetic or smoker
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — after age 50
- COVID-19 booster — as per current guidance
Travel, occupation, pregnancy and chronic illness may add others (typhoid, hepatitis A, MMR, varicella, rabies pre-exposure).
"I'm not a child" is the most common reason adults skip vaccinations. But the diseases vaccines prevent — influenza, pertussis, hepatitis, cervical cancer, shingles — kill or seriously injure adults every year. Childhood immunisation gave us a foundation; adult immunisation maintains and extends it. Here's the practical list.
1. Influenza (flu) — annual
The flu kills 290,000–650,000 people worldwide every year (WHO estimate). In India, flu surveillance shows clear seasonal peaks — June to September (monsoon) and December to February (winter). The vaccine is updated each year to match the circulating strains.
Who especially benefits
- Everyone above 65
- Anyone with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, COPD, asthma
- Pregnant women (any trimester — protects mother and baby)
- Healthcare workers, schoolteachers
- Young children
When to take it
Best timing in North India: September–October. Protection kicks in 2 weeks after the shot. Annual revaccination is needed because flu strains drift and antibody levels wane.
2. Tdap — tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
The old "TT" shot (tetanus alone) is being replaced by Tdap, which also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Tdap is recommended:
- One Tdap dose for every adult who hasn't had one (catch-up)
- Td booster every 10 years thereafter
- Pregnant women: one Tdap between 27–36 weeks of every pregnancy (protects newborn from pertussis)
- After any contaminated wound if your last dose was more than 5 years ago
3. HPV — cancer prevention
Human Papillomavirus causes nearly all cervical cancers (the second most common cancer in Indian women), and a significant share of anal, oropharyngeal (throat) and penile cancers. The vaccine is most effective before exposure — but adults still benefit.
| Age group | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 9–14 years | 2 doses, 6 months apart |
| 15–26 years | 3 doses (0, 1–2, 6 months) |
| 27–45 years | 3 doses — shared clinical decision (depending on exposure history) |
Both Cervavac (India's first indigenous HPV vaccine, MSD/SII) and Gardasil are widely available. Both sexes benefit.
4. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B causes chronic liver disease and is responsible for a large share of liver cancers globally. India has intermediate prevalence (1–7%). If you weren't vaccinated as a child, get a 3-dose series (0, 1, 6 months). Confirm immunity with anti-HBs antibody test 1–2 months after the last dose.
Especially important for: healthcare workers, household contacts of hepatitis B carriers, diabetics under 60, dialysis patients, men who have sex with men, multiple sexual partners.
5. Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumococcus causes pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections, especially in older adults and people with chronic disease. Two vaccines are used in sequence:
- PCV13/PCV15/PCV20 (conjugate vaccine)
- PPSV23 (polysaccharide), given at least 8 weeks later
Indications:
- All adults 65 and older
- Adults 19–64 with diabetes, heart disease, COPD, chronic kidney/liver disease, cancer, HIV, smokers, alcohol use disorder
- People without a functioning spleen
6. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus is still in your nerve roots. It can reactivate decades later as shingles — a painful, blistering rash that can leave long-term nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). The lifetime risk is about 1 in 3.
The newer recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is 90%+ effective. Recommended:
- All adults aged 50 and older — 2 doses, 2–6 months apart
- Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems
7. COVID-19
Stay current with the latest booster as per ICMR/MoHFW recommendations. Especially important for those with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, immune suppression and adults over 65. Discuss timing if you've had a recent infection.
Situation-specific vaccines worth asking about
- Typhoid — for travellers, food handlers, and high-risk areas. Vi conjugate vaccine gives durable protection.
- Hepatitis A — for adults with no prior exposure, especially food workers and travellers.
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — confirm immunity, especially women planning pregnancy.
- Varicella (chickenpox) — if you've never had chickenpox or been vaccinated.
- Rabies (pre-exposure) — for veterinarians, lab workers, frequent travellers to rural areas, animal handlers.
- Yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis — travel-specific.
Key takeaways
Annual flu shotOne of the highest-value, lowest-cost adult health investments.
Tdap every 10 yearsCritical in pregnancy for newborn protection.
HPV up to 45Cancer prevention. Both sexes benefit.
Hep B if not done in childhood3 doses, confirm with antibody test.
Bring your immunisation recordOr a list of what you remember. We'll build a personalised schedule.
Side effects are usually mild. Sore arm, low-grade fever, fatigue for a day. Serious reactions are rare. The risk of the disease is almost always higher than the risk of the vaccine.
Get assessed before vaccination if:
- You have severe allergies (especially egg allergy for some flu vaccines)
- You're pregnant — some vaccines are recommended, others avoided
- You're on immunosuppressive medication or chemotherapy
- You've had a severe reaction to a previous vaccine
- You have an active fever or acute illness — postpone until recovered