IDSA Issues Policy Blueprint to Strengthen Adult and Adolescent Immunization
Unacceptably low rates of immunization coverage exist among many adults and adolescents in the U.S. For example, coverage for adult vaccines ranges from 26% to 65%, depending on the vaccine and specific target group. IDSA has developed a set of policy principles and recommendations to strengthen adult and adolescent immunization coverage. Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (June 15, 2007), the "blueprint for action" addresses: raising provider and public awareness regarding the availability of vaccines; improving public financing for vaccines; improving health insurance coverage; and improving quality, monitoring, and research. A companion commentary offers an analysis of strategies to improve adult immunization from the vantage point of factors that have led to the success of the pediatric immunization experience.
Policy Principles
Actions to Strengthen Adult and Adolescent Immunization Coverage in the United States: Policy Principles of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 6/15/07
Download the entire principles document
Executive Summary--Actions to Strengthen Adult and Adolescent Immunization Coverage in the United States: Policy Principles of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 6/15/07
Download the executive summary of the principles
Adult Immunization: What Can We Learn from the Childhood Immunization Program? 6/15/07
Download the companion editorial commentary by Alan R. Hinman and Walter A. Orenstein
Infectious Diseases Experts Issue Blueprint to Avert Thousands of Preventable Deaths
Call for Federal Investments to Immunize Adults, Adolescents 6/15/07
Press Release
CDC Immunization Schedules
Adult Immunization Schedule, 2009 (PDF)
View CDC's recommended adult immunization schedule, by vaccine and age group.
Adolescent Immunization Schedule, 2009 (PDF)
View CDC's recommended schedule for persons aged 7-18 years.
ACP-IDSA Joint Statement Regarding Adult Vaccination by Physicians
ACP-IDSA Joint Statement Regarding Adult Vaccination by Physicians Revised 11/08
Important Links
Immunization policy
View IDSA's policy statements on immunization
Adult Immunization Practices: Results of an IDSA Survey of Members 01/29/2010
This paper by IDSA’s Immunization Work Group examines the practices of IDSA members on adult and adolescent immunizations. It is based on a survey of IDSA members performed in 2009.
Adult Immunization: Shots to Save Lives (02/04/2010)
A new report released by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that more than 30 percent of adults ages 65 and older had not been immunized against pneumonia in 36 states as of 2008.