Vaccine Guidelines

Vaccines are crucial for preventing various diseases and maintaining public health. They work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, just as it would if you were exposed to the disease. However, vaccines contain only killed or weakened forms of germs like viruses or bacteria, so they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications.

Vaccine Recommendations

Recommended for Children

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Series of doses in childhood
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Two doses
Polio (IPV): Series of doses in childhood
Hepatitis B: Series of three doses
Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses
Influenza (Flu): Annually, starting at 6 months
Rotavirus: Series of doses for infants (before 8 months)
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13 or PCV15): Series of four doses
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): Series of three to four doses
COVID-19: Starting at 6 months, with boosters based on CDC guidance

Recommended for Adults

Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Once, then Td booster every 10 years
Influenza (Flu): Annually
Shingles (Herpes Zoster, Shingrix): For adults aged 50 and older (two doses)
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23): For adults aged 65 and older, or younger adults with certain risk factors
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): For adults up to age 26 if not previously vaccinated
COVID-19: Primary series and boosters as advised by CDC

Varies Based on Situation

Hepatitis A: For travelers, people with certain medical conditions, or risk factors
Meningococcal: For certain groups (e.g., college students, travelers, or those with specific medical conditions)
HPV: For some adults aged 27-45, based on shared decision-making with a healthcare provider
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): For adults born after 1957 without evidence of immunity
Travel vaccines: Based on destination (e.g., Yellow Fever, Typhoid)
Pneumococcal: For adults younger than 65 with certain medical conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems)
COVID-19: Additional doses for high-risk individuals or immunocompromised

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

The specific vaccines you need may vary based on your age, health conditions, lifestyle, and travel plans. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are right for you.

Using Health Screening Tracker for Vaccines

Our Health Screening Tracker app can help you keep track of your vaccinations. In the app, you can adjust the intervals (number of months) for vaccines and record the dates of vaccines you've received. This way, you'll always know when you're due for your next shot.