A woman is getting a shot in her arm. The nurse is wearing gloves and holding a syringe

Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine. While childhood immunization often receives the most attention, the need for adult vaccinations is equally important—and in some cases, even more critical. Adults face increased risks for complications from diseases such as influenza, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and pertussis. Many of these illnesses can lead to hospitalizations, long-term health consequences, or death, yet they are preventable with routine immunization.

For medical practices and pharmacies, educating adult patients about vaccine-preventable diseases is essential—but so is ensuring vaccines are affordable and accessible. That’s where US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG) plays a vital role. As a national vaccine buying group, USPPG helps qualifying providers receive contract-level discounts on vaccines from leading manufacturers including Moderna, Pfizer, GSK, CSL Seqirus, Dynavax, and RabAvert. Membership is free, and providers benefit from simplified ordering, lower costs, and strong support for growing their immunization programs.

This comprehensive guide outlines the key vaccine-preventable diseases in adults, the vaccines recommended for prevention, and how practices can improve uptake while lowering acquisition costs.

Why Adult Vaccination Matters

Adult immunization is often overlooked. Many patients mistakenly believe vaccines are only necessary during childhood. Others may be confused by changing recommendations, new vaccine formulations, or varying requirements for age groups and risk factors.

But the numbers tell the real story:

  • Tens of thousands of adults in the U.S. die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Millions more are hospitalized due to influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19 complications, shingles, or hepatitis infections.
  • Many adults have at least one chronic medical condition (such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease) that increases risks for severe illness.

Vaccinations help reduce the burden on healthcare systems, improve community health outcomes, and protect vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant individuals, and the immunocompromised.

For practices and pharmacies, offering adult vaccines is also an opportunity to strengthen patient relationships, expand preventive care services, and maintain consistent revenue streams.

Adult Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and the Vaccines That Protect Against Them

Below is an in-depth overview of the most significant vaccine-preventable diseases affecting adults today. Each section includes the recommended vaccines and population groups for whom immunization is especially important.

1. Influenza (Flu)

Why It Matters

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that mutates frequently, creating new strains each year. Adults—especially those over age 65 or with chronic medical conditions—face significant risks for complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and cardiovascular events.

Recommended Vaccine

Annual influenza vaccine, typically administered in the fall. For adults 65+, high-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines may offer stronger protection.

Who Should Receive It

All adults, every year. Especially critical for pregnant individuals, immunocompromised patients, the elderly, and adults with chronic illnesses.

How USPPG Helps

USPPG members can access discounted flu vaccine pricing from manufacturers including GSK and CSL Seqirus.

2. COVID-19

Why It Matters

COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, and adults remain at risk for severe illness, long COVID, hospitalization, and death. Updated COVID-19 vaccines help protect against recent variants.

Recommended Vaccine

Updated seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for all adults annually. Additional doses may be recommended for immunocompromised individuals.

Who Should Receive It

All adults, with strong emphasis on those over 65 and those with chronic medical conditions.

How USPPG Helps

USPPG offers members access to discounted pricing for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, helping practices and pharmacies reduce acquisition costs and keep inventory affordable.

3. Pneumococcal Disease

Why It Matters

Pneumococcal infections can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, and long-term neurological damage. Adults, particularly older adults and those with chronic lung or heart conditions, remain vulnerable.

Who Should Receive It

All adults aged 65+ and adults aged 19–64 with specific risk factors such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Chronic heart, lung, or liver disease
  • Smoking history
  • Immunocompromising conditions

How USPPG Helps

USPPG offers discount pricing to members for pneumococcal vaccines by Pfizer.

4. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Why It Matters

Shingles results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and causes a painful rash that may lead to chronic nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia). The risk increases significantly with age.

Recommended Vaccine

Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) – a 2-dose series

Who Should Receive It

Adults aged 50+ and adults 19+ who are immunocompromised.

How USPPG Helps

Sign up for a free membership to receive discounted pricing on the GSK Shingrix vaccine.

5. Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)

Why It Matters

Pertussis (whooping cough) is highly contagious and potentially deadly for infants. Adults often transmit the disease unknowingly.

Recommended Vaccine

Tdap once in adulthood followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years.

Who Should Receive It

All adults. Pregnant individuals should receive Tdap during every pregnancy to protect newborns.

How USPPG Helps

The Tdap vaccine-Boostrix by GSK-is available with discounted pricing with a free membership to USPPG.

6. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

Why They Matter

Both hepatitis A and B can lead to serious liver disease. Hepatitis B, in particular, may become chronic and cause liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Recommended Vaccines

Hepatitis A vaccine – 2-dose series. Hepatitis B vaccine – either a 2-dose series (such as Heplisav-B by Dynavax) or a traditional 3-dose series. Additionally, the Twinrix (HepA-HepB) is an option of combined Hep A and B, formulated. by GSK.

Who Should Receive Them

Adults with chronic liver disease, individuals with diabetes, adults at high risk due to lifestyle or occupation, and all adults who want lifelong protection.

How USPPG Helps

USPPG’s partnerships with Dynavax and GSK make adult hepatitis vaccination programs more cost-effective for providers.

7. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Why It Matters

Measles outbreaks have been increasing in recent years due to declining vaccination coverage. Adults born after 1957 who lack immunity may be at risk.

Recommended Vaccine

MMR vaccine, either as a single dose or two doses depending on risk factors.

Who Should Receive It

Adults without documented immunity, college students, healthcare workers, and international travelers.

How USPPG Helps

Through our free GPO membership, USPPG has discount pricing on the Priorix MMR vaccine by GSK.

8. Meningococcal Disease

Why It Matters

Meningococcal infections progress rapidly and can lead to meningitis, sepsis, neurological damage, or death.

Recommended Vaccines

Due to lifestyle, medical history, and travel, adults are at a high risk and should be receive meningococcal vaccines. Meningococcal vaccine discounts through USPPG includes the vaccines Prenbaya, Trumenba, and Menveo.

Who Should Receive It

Adults with certain medical conditions, microbiologists exposed to Neisseria meningitidis, college students in dormitories, and individuals traveling to regions with high incidence.

How USPPG Helps

USPPG members can access discounted meningococcal vaccine pricing from manufacturers including GSK and Pfizer.

How Medical Practices & Pharmacies Can Improve Adult Vaccination Rates

Improving adult immunization involves more than simply offering the vaccines—it requires strategic outreach, education, and accessibility.

1. Implement Standing Orders

Standing orders empower nurses and pharmacists to administer vaccines without a direct physician order. This increases efficiency and raises vaccination rates dramatically.

2. Use EHR Alerts to Flag Patients

Electronic reminders can automatically identify:

  • Adults due for flu shots
  • Patients turning 50 (shingles eligibility)
  • Adults needing COVID-19 boosters
  • Those missing Tdap or hepatitis B

3. Focus on Chronic Disease Management Patients

Patients with chronic illnesses such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease often have more frequent appointments—making them ideal candidates for vaccination catch-up.

4. Educate Patients During Every Visit

Simple clinician recommendations remain the strongest predictor of vaccine acceptance. Instead of asking if patients want vaccines, emphasize medical necessity.

5. Make Vaccines Affordable Through USPPG

Even when patients are eager to stay updated on vaccines, practices must keep acquisition costs manageable. USPPG solves this problem by helping members:

  • Access discounted pricing from manufacturers like Pfizer, Moderna, GSK, Dynavax, CSL Seqirus, and RabAvert
  • Simplify purchasing through consolidated orders
  • Improve profit margins on immunization services
  • Strengthen vaccine inventory planning
  • Provide patients with affordable preventive care options

Membership is free, with no quotas, no hidden fees, and no long-term obligations.

The Role of USPPG in Expanding Adult Immunization Access

By partnering with leading vaccine manufacturers, USPPG helps medical practices and pharmacies stay competitive, profitable, and well-stocked with recommended adult vaccines.

Key benefits include:

  • Lower vaccine acquisition costs
  • Contract pricing for top manufacturer vaccines
  • Streamlined ordering and account management
  • Support for scaling vaccine programs
  • Better reimbursement margins

For providers trying to grow their adult immunization services—whether for influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, or others—joining a vaccine purchasing group is one of the most effective ways to reduce overhead and increase operational efficiency.

Conclusion: A Healthier Future Starts with Adult Vaccination

Vaccine-preventable diseases remain a significant threat to adult health, especially among older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. The good news? Vaccines prevent severe illness, reduce hospitalizations, and save lives.

Medical practices and pharmacies play a crucial role in ensuring adults remain protected. By offering comprehensive vaccine services—and by lowering purchasing costs through USPPG—providers can expand access, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the overall healthcare system.

If your organization administers adult vaccines, partnering with US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce costs and grow your immunization program. Membership is free, the process is simple, and the benefits can transform your practice’s vaccine services.