Knox County Tennessee

Adult Vaccinations

I got vaccinated

The immunizations needed by adults are determined by several factors, including age, lifestyle, health level, and immunization history. Please bring a record of your previous vaccinations to your appointment.

For a list of available vaccines and cost, please contact us at 865-215-5070.

Common

  • Flu (influenza): All adults need a seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults.
  • Tdap vaccine: Every adult should get a Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough).
    • Td (tetanus, diphtheria) or Tdap booster shot every 10 years
  • COVID-19 Vaccines: KCHD continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines to those in need of a first, second or booster dose. Click here to learn more about our vaccines offered or to schedule an appointment.

Adults 19 – 26

  • It’s recommended to get the HPV vaccine, which protects against the types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) that cause most cervical, anal, and other cancers, as well as genital warts. CDC recommends:
    • HPV vaccination for all preteens at age 11 or 12 years (can be given starting at age 9 years).
    • HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults age 19 through 59 years. The vaccine provides protection from hepatitis B which can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.

Adults 50 years or older

  • As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why, in addition to seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), you should also get:
    • Shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and the complications from the disease (recommended for healthy adults 50 years and older)
    • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), which protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections (recommended for all adults 65 years or older, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain health conditions)
    • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia (recommended for all adults with a condition that weakens the immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant)
    • Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults age 19 through 59 years, and adults age 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Adults aged 60 years or older without any known risk factors for hepatitis B infection may get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Pregnant

  • Tdap vaccine: Women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.
  • The flu shot (during flu season, which is October through May) to help protect against influenza.
  • Postpartum vaccination will help protect you from getting sick and you will pass antibodies to your baby through your breastmilk.

You may also need other vaccines. Visit Vaccines for Pregnant Women to learn more.

Infants

intants

Recommendations

  • Talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you at your next medical appointment.


Need to report a public
health emergency?

Call 865-215-5093

Have Questions? Call: (865) 215-5555 Email: Health@knoxcounty.org

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.

Clinics will also open at 10:30 a.m. (Main location) and 11 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays: April 17 and July 17. All other offices will open at 8 a.m.