Vaccines

Homelessness places you at a higher risk for catching certain illnesses but receiving your vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Even though you may have received vaccines as a child, many will need to be boosted as an adult. To put things in perspective, more than 50,000 adults die in the USA every year from pneumonia and the flu, both of which could be prevented with vaccination.

Children’s Vaccine Schedule

Children are at extremely high risk for catching infections that are normally prevented by vaccines. Making sure your children are adequately vaccinated is also necessary for school enrollment. For this reason, many programs and free clinics exist that provide free vaccination for children. For a list of free clinics see the resources section at the end of the booklet or ask your child’s school for more information. Children may also receive essential vaccinations for free through the San Bernardino County Vaccines for Children program. Call 1-800-722-4777 for more information.

Common Adult Vaccines

Bolded vaccines are most important among homeless individuals.

Many vaccines are available for free. Please call 211 to receive more information or check out the clinics listed at the end of this booklet; many provide free or low-cost vaccines for adults.

Hepatitis A	All adults that are not immune People with limited access to clean water are at the highest risk
Hepatisis B	All adults who are not already immune You are at high risk if you have multiple sexual partners or use IV drugs
Tdap/td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)	Booster is needed every 10 years and with each pregnancy If you’re not up-to-date, it will be necessary if you cut or injure yourself
Pneumonia (PCV13 and PPSV23)	All adults older than 65 All adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma All adults with a history of smoking
COVID 19 (examples: Moderna, pfizer)	Everyone over age 5
Influenza (flu)	Everyone, every year
Meningococcal	Recommended if you live in a shelter or other group setting Recommended if you have certain chronic medical conditions such as HIV, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or heart disease All adults that have had their spleen removed
Rabies	May be needed after animal bites
HPV Series	Anyone under age 26
Varicella (chicken pox)	Not needed if you had chickenpox as a child
MMR (mumps, measles, rubella)	All adults who have not received one in the past All women who could become pregnant
Herpes Zoster	All adults 50 or above