Adult Immunization Schedule for 2018 Includes Changes for Shingles and MMR

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has released its 2018 immunization schedule for adults in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Among the notable changes from last year:

• Shingles: Two doses of the newly approved, recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV; Shingrix) is recommended for adults aged 50 and older regardless of their zoster or vaccine history. Those who've received the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax) may receive their first RZV dose at least 2 months later. Adults aged 60 and older may receive either vaccine, but RZV is preferred.

• Mumps: Adults who have received two or fewer doses of a mumps-containing vaccine and are at risk for contracting mumps during a local outbreak should receive a dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.