Many are now familiar with the annual updated COVID vaccines and flu vaccines. We are currently awaiting the fall release of updated formulations. LBNL Health Services offers some vaccines (e.g. Influenza, Tdap, Hepatitis B) and could provide consultations on travel vaccines. It is also important to be aware of other vaccines depending on your age and risk factors to help prevent certain medical conditions. Connecting with your primary care provider for vaccines and screenings are crucial for preventative health.
The following provides brief information about a few vaccines for the adult population 19 years and older. For the full immunization schedule refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine
Hepatitis B virus could lead to an acute or chronic liver infection. HepB vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection with immunity persisting for 30+ years among healthy people who were vaccinated at less than 6 months of age (CDC, 2025).
- Recommended for all from infancy to 59 years old.
- Recommended for ages 60 and older with certain risk factors
- Depending on the vaccine, it could be a 2 to 4 dose series
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection leading to warts and specific cancers (CDC, 2024).
- Recommended for all persons up to age 26.
- 2-3 doses based on age and health status
- For adults aged 27-45 who are interested, consider shared decision making with your provider to see if you’d benefit.
Pneumococcal vaccination
Pneumococcal vaccines target multiple strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia, an infection that inflames the lungs (CDC, 2026).
- Recommended for all age 50 or older.
- Recommended for ages 19-49 years old based on risk factors
Check with your provider to see which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended as there are a few options.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually starts in the fall and peaks during winter. It can cause more severe infections in infants and older adults (CDC, 2026).
- Recommended for adults age 75 years or older
- For ages 50-74 based on risk factors, to discuss with your health care provider.
- Recommended during September – January for those who are 32-36 weeks pregnant to pass immunity on to baby
Shingles vaccine
Herpes zoster is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster“chickenpox” virus.
It’s a painful rash that could linger after healing, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (CDC, 2025).
- Recommended for all 50 years or older
- Recommended for age 19 and older with certain health conditions
- 2-dose series Shingrix given over 2-6 months.
The vaccine is highly efficacious: 97% effective at preventing shingles in those 50–69 years old, and 91% effective in those 70 and older.
