Here is the CDC’s recommendations for adult vaccinations:
I had measles as a child, but never had rubella. Before I decided to try to get pregnant, I had the rubella titer to confirm and got the rubella shot. I’ve never had mumps, and never been vaccinated. I should probably ask my MD whether I need to do something about that.
If you think there may be a grandchild in your near future, you should get the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis shot instead of plain tetanus. The current wisdom is that everyone who comes in close contact with young infants should be recently vaccinated against pertussis because they’re too young to be immunized themselves and the disease can kill them.
People who have contact with infants also need annual flu shots. Same rationale.
I get my vaccines (including annual flu shots) at the CVS minute clinic whenever possible because they send records to my primary care doctor, who is obsessed with getting complete records of everything that’s done to her patients (which is perhaps a good idea).
I was always asked for the yellow immunization card when travelling in Africa.
I’d definitely ask about pertussis. I got it at 28 when apparently my original shot had worn out. It’s a miserable disease, and terrifying. And there are too many anti-vaxers about so you never know when there is going to be a new outbreak. I got it along with my two brothers because there was an outbreak in NH and we went there for Thanksgiving.
Yes, the other shot we got before traveling was Yellow Fever…and we did have to show verification we had the shot before entering Belgium on our way home.
Don’t you folks go for annual physicals with your PCP? Doesn’t that person keep track of immunizations you need? Mine does!
…no
In this era of electronic medical records, I think those of us who have at least one medical condition that we manage on an ongoing basis may actually have an advantage. We see our PCPs regularly, and the electronic systems show when we’re due for immunizations, screening tests, and other forms of preventive care.
Totally healthy people have to remember this stuff. But who remembers this stuff?
I take a low dose BP med. I’m NOT going to forego that (Mom had many strokes, as did both her parents). My prescription runs out after a year, so I’m “forced” to go to my annual checkup.
I would go to the minute clinic (no appointment needed) and see which shots the NP recommends and the spacing…if there needs to be any spacing. unless you have some rare autoimmune disease you do not need to got to your regular doctor or a specialist for standard vaccines. the nurse practitioners are very well trained and know what to do and not do.
There actually are many reasons why someone should go to their pcp for vaccines even without a rare (or fairly common in my case) autoimmune disease.
But yes, the vast majority of people can go get the flu shot at cvs without a problem.
no I recommended the minute clinic (at some cvs stores) flu shot for healthy 25 year old the pharmacy is perfect. MMR or say tetanus in an adult say 50-60 minute clinic. anyone with and underlying issues your medical doctor only.
It always surprises me how many people don’t see their PCP regularly.
PCP is always a good option but that said to get a flu shot it can be a pain (no pun) unless you already have a scheduled visit when it is time to get a flu shot.
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It always surprises me how many PCPs don’t stock vaccines in their offices. My PCP makes sure to tell me what vaccines I need, but I get them elsewhere.
I got my flu shot at my GI’s office this morning. No pain.
Is it difficult to get an appointment at your doc’s office?
That surprises me, too! 
I’ve never heard of that.
I have several doctors in two different hospital systems and they all stock vaccines. It’s bizarre to me that a PCP wouldn’t at least stock common vaccines.
“Regularly” may be less frequent than once per year, based on current screening recommendations for people who do not have any conditions that require more frequent visits.
However, it is best if the PCP is informed of any medical events, including vaccinations, that are done by someone other than the PCP.
I see my PCP when I need to, which was three times last year and not at all for a year and a half before that. When I’m there, we discuss what needs to be done in the way of testing or routine care. I have no chronic diseases and take no prescription drugs. I get any recommended vaccinations at the local grocery store (which has a small pharmacy) and they are fully covered by insurance. There are good arguments to be made for elimination of the “routine” annual checkup. My medical office does have email with my doctor and I generally make sure the “routine” tests are done BEFORE I go to see her, if possible.
There is a movement out there (it’s a quiet one, but it’s out there) in which patients become equally responsible for their medical care. As someone who had chondrosarcoma–which is diagnosed in all of 800 patients a year in the US–I actually know more about it that any doctor I’ve encountered (other than the doctor who cured me). It would be ridiculously expensive and unnecessary for me to check with the orthopedic oncologist once a year to see what new info is out there; instead, I regularly run a Google Scholar research for the latest info, print out what little there is, and discuss that with my PCP.
Yes, this is a good idea, since then the new results and possible implications are available for you and the physician to review at the appointment.