Adult vaccines – which ones to ask about
The adult vaccination questions worth asking in South Africa, including age, pregnancy, chronic illness, work, travel and previous records.
Adult vaccination depends on risk and life stage
Adults do not all need the same vaccines at the same time. A nurse or doctor considers age, pregnancy, chronic conditions, immune status, occupation, travel, outbreaks and previous doses. The best starting point is a record review rather than buying a product because it is trending online.
Tell the clinic what changes the answer
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
- Asthma, diabetes, heart disease or another long-term condition.
- Immune-suppressing treatment or an immune condition.
- Work in healthcare, childcare or another exposure setting.
- Travel destination and previous vaccine records.
Flu, COVID-19, hepatitis, HPV, tetanus and other vaccines may be relevant in different situations. The current national programme and the person's risk decide the recommendation.
Make a vaccination appointment useful
- Take your vaccination record and medicine list.
- Ask which vaccines are routine and which are risk-based for you.
- Ask about timing around pregnancy, travel or immune treatment.
- Write down the next dose or review date.
A vaccine question can wait; an emergency cannot
Common questions
- Which vaccines should adults get in South Africa?
- It depends on age, health, pregnancy, work, travel, immune status and previous doses. Ask a clinic to review your record against the current programme.
- Should adults get a flu vaccine?
- Flu vaccination may be especially relevant for people at higher risk or with certain exposures. Ask a healthcare professional whether it is appropriate and when it is available.
Sources
- Primary Healthcare Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines ListNational Department of Health, South Africa
- National clinical guidelines and policy libraryNational Department of Health, South Africa
- Clinical and public health guidanceWorld Health Organization
Last reviewed 26 August 2026.