Protect Yourself from Infectious Diseases: Which Vaccines Do You Need?

Vaccines help protect you and your family from potentially serious diseases. While many of these diseases are common, vaccines help prevent them, reducing the need for doctors’ visits, hospitalizations, and missed work or school. The more people who get vaccinated, the better we can protect everyone, especially those who are more vulnerable, such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions.

Even if you received all your vaccines as a child, you still need vaccinations as an adult. The protection from some vaccines, like the Td vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria, can diminish over time. Additionally, as you age, you may become more susceptible to other diseases.

What vaccines do adults need?
You should consult your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about your specific needs but here are the adult vaccines to consider.

What vaccines do children need?
Children 18 and younger should stay up to date on their vaccinations to protect against serious diseases that can spread easily in schools and communities. Following the recommended vaccine schedule helps ensure they are protected during their most vulnerable years.

To help keep track of your vaccines, ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for an immunization record form. Bring the form with you to all your healthcare visits and ask them to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive. You can also call your PCP to schedule a visit or for any questions you may have around vaccines.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov