Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from contagious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza that can cause serious illness. If you fell behind on routine health care during the pandemic, talk to your family doctor today about catching up on recommended vaccines, annual exams and well child visits.
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Immunity may be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the disease, how the person became immune, and other factors. For instance, some vaccines give a person lifelong immunity against a disease and only have to be given one time. Others have to be given on a regular schedule (every 10 years, for example) because they do not provide permanent immunity. Partial immunity implies some degree of protection from a disease.
Childhood immunizations start right after birth, and many are given throughout a baby's first 23 months. Booster shots (the later doses of any vaccines that need to be repeated over time) occur throughout life.
Fewer immunizations are needed after age 6. But older children and teens need shots too (such as those for bacterial meningitis and for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough). Some shots are also given during adulthood (such as a tetanus shot).
It is important to keep a good record, including a list of any reactions to the vaccines. When you enroll your child in day care or school, you may need to show proof of immunizations. Your child may also need the record later in life for college, employment, or travel.
The vaccines you need as an adult depend not only on your age, lifestyle, overall health, pregnancy status, and travel plans but also on who you are in close contact with and what vaccines you had as a child. Talk to your primary care provider about which vaccines you need. Common adult vaccines include:
- Flu
- COVID
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Yes, vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before they are approved for use. They are also constantly monitored for serious side effects after being introduced. Some vaccines cause mild, temporary side effects such as a sore arm or feeling tired for 2-3 days. That is normal.
False claims in the news have made some parents concerned about a link between autism and the shot for measles, mumps, and rubella. But studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.
Vaccines do not overload or weaken the immune system. It is safe for children and adults to receive several vaccines at a time.