Below, you’ll find information about which vaccines are recommended for children, adults, older adults, and people planning to travel outside the country. For both COVID-19 and flu vaccination locations near you, Vaccines.gov allows you to enter your ZIP code — and for the COVID-19 vaccine, your preferred type (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or J&J) — to search for sites within 25 miles.
RELATED: What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines Tdap or Td All adults need to get the Tdap vaccine once if they weren’t immunized as an adolescent, to protect themselves against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough); then they need a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years, according to the CDC. Women should get the Tdap vaccine every time they are pregnant, ideally between 27 through 36 weeks. There may be other vaccines that can protect you from some diseases or infections depending on whether you have any specific health conditions or face an elevated risk for certain diseases. Some individuals should not get particular vaccines or should wait before getting them because of their age, health conditions, or allergies. If you are unsure if you need a vaccine or a booster, check with your healthcare provider or local health department. Other vaccines you may need include the following: Hepatitis A (Age 18 and Older) A vaccine for hepatitis A is available in a two- or three-dose series for people who want protection from this virus, even if they aren’t at risk. People who are at risk include those with chronic liver disease, those with HIV infection, men who have sex with men, healthcare workers and others who may be in close contact with infected people, travelers to countries with a high rate of the infection, and pregnant women (but only if they are at risk for infection or severe outcomes from infection during pregnancy). Hepatitis B (Age 18 and Older) A vaccine for hepatitis B is available in a two- or three-dose series for people who want protection, even if they aren’t at risk. People who are at risk include those with chronic liver disease, those with HIV infection, sexually active people who aren’t in mutually monogamous relationships, men who have sex with men, current or recent injection drug users, healthcare workers and others who may be in close contact with infected people, travelers to countries with a high rate of the infection, and pregnant women. HPV (9-valent) The HPV shot prevents new HPV (human papillomavirus) infections and HPV-related diseases, including some cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all adults until age 26. It can be a two- or three-dose series, depending on how old a person is when they are first vaccinated. It can be recommended for older adults between age 26 and 45 if their doctor advises it. Meningococcal (MenACWY) This vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, W, and Y. It’s recommended for people with a rare immune disorder called complement component deficiency, who are on complement inhibitor medication, who have a damaged spleen or have had their spleen removed, who are exposed to the bacteria regularly, or who belong to a high-risk group. A discussion with your doctor can help you determine if you need this vaccine or the booster. Military recruits and college students who are not up to date with this vaccine and are living in a residence hall are also among those who should get immunized. A discussion with your doctor can help you determine if you need this vaccine or the booster. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) The CDC recommends that adults get the MMR vaccine unless they have evidence of immunity by the vaccination series as a child, have laboratory evidence of immunity or a confirmation of measles, or were born before 1957. Some adults may need two doses. Pneumococcal (PCV13) This type of pneumonia vaccine can protect against any illness caused by the pneumococcal bacteria, which includes pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, and bacteremia (bloodstream infection). The vaccine is recommended for adults who never received a PCV13 vaccine or who have immunocompromising conditions, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or cochlear implants. It may be appropriate for people who are 65 and older if a doctor feels the patient’s medical issues make it the best choice. Pneumococcal (PPSV23) The CDC recommends this vaccine for all adults 65 or older, as well as younger people who smoke cigarettes or who have certain medical conditions such as chronic liver disease, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, or diabetes. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are unsure if you should get the PPSV23 vaccine. Varicella The varicella vaccine is also known as chicken pox vaccination, and it protects people from varicella-zoster, the virus that causes chicken pox. It is recommended for adults who didn’t receive this vaccine as children and have never had a lab-confirmed diagnosis of chicken pox. Many immunizations require more than one shot. If your child misses a dose or recommended immunization, consult your pediatrician or local health department on determining the appropriate schedule to catch up. Because of age or health conditions, some babies and children should not get certain vaccines or should wait to get them until they are older. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for more information.
Age 0 to 3 months
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP) This protects babies against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Babies need three shots to be protected, followed by two booster shots later in childhood; the first shot is given at 2 months old. Hepatitis B This vaccine protects against the liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The younger a person is when infected, the greater the chance they will develop a chronic infection. All infants should have this vaccination. Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) This vaccine protects against diseases caused by a bacteria responsible for severe pneumonia, meningitis, and other invasive diseases found almost exclusively in children under 5 years old. Polio This vaccine protects against polio, a disabling and life-threatening disease that can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. Four doses are needed, the first at 2 months old. Pneumococcal (PCV13) Pneumococcal disease includes any illness caused by the pneumococcal bacteria such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis, and bacteremia (bloodstream infection). All children under 2 years old should get this vaccine; a total of four doses are needed. Rotavirus Rotavirus causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain; children who are infected sometimes need to be hospitalized because of severe dehydration. Depending on the brand of vaccine, two or three doses are needed for protection.
Ages 4 Months to 6 Years
DtaP This shot protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Babies get their first shot at 2 months old, followed by shots at 4 and 6 months. Boosters are needed to maintain immunity, and they are recommended at 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years. Hepatitis A (Child) To be protected from this very contagious, short-term liver infection, it’s recommended that all babies ages 12 to 23 months get vaccinated. All children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 who didn’t get the vaccine before age 2 should be vaccinated (called catch-up vaccination). Hepatitis B (Child) This liver infection can be short term or chronic. Vaccination is recommended at 4 months old and for all children or adolescents younger than 19 who didn’t get vaccinated as infants. Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) The HiB vaccine protects against diseases caused by this strain of bacteria, and children younger than 5 years old need multiple doses. It’s recommended that doses be given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (depending on the brand of vaccine used), and 12 through 15 months old. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) This CDC recommends that all children get this vaccine. The first dose should be given between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV) This vaccination is an alternative to receiving separate MMR and varicella vaccines; discuss the choice with your child’s healthcare provider. The MMRV option requires fewer shots but can carry higher risks for fever or febrile seizures after vaccination. The CDC recommends separate MMR and varicella vaccines for children ages 12 to 47 months old unless the parent or caregiver expresses a preference for the MMRV vaccine. Meningococcal (MenACWY) This vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, W, and Y. It’s recommended that children get this at age 11 or 12, but for some children who have certain medical conditions, it can be appropriate sooner. The CDC recommends a MenACWY vaccine for children between 2 months and 10 years old if they have a rare immune disorder called complement component deficiency, are on a complement inhibitor, have a damaged spleen or have had their spleen removed, are traveling to or moving to a country where the disease is common, or are at an increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. Pneumococcal (PCV13) This vaccine protects against the 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that most commonly cause serious infections and is given in four doses: at 2, 4, 6, and 12 through 15 months old. Pneumococcal (PPSV23) This vaccine is recommended for people age 2 through 64 years old with some types of medical conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, or with functional or anatomic asplenia (when the spleen is absent or doesn’t function properly); and for children with chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or cochlear implants. Varicella (Chicken Pox) This vaccine protects people from the virus that causes chicken pox. It requires two doses, the first between 12 and 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Flu This vaccine protects babies, children, and adults from influenza, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. It’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older (with very few exceptions) get a flu shot every year. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or health conditions that can impact this vaccination.
Ages 7 to 18 Years
HPV This vaccine can help prevent some types of cancer that are caused by the HPV virus. HPV infections and cervical cancer rates have dropped significantly since the vaccine was introduced in the United States. It’s recommended that children get the HPV vaccine when they are either 11 or 12 years old. It requires two doses, with the second one given 6 to 12 months after the first dose. If the vaccine series is started after age 15, three doses are needed. Meningococcal (MenACWY) This vaccine protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, W, and Y. It’s recommended that children get this at age 11 or 12. Meningococcal (MenB) This vaccine protects against one type of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, serogroup B, which can cause an illness that may lead to meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord. MenB is recommended for children or adolescents who have a rare immune disorder called complement component deficiency, are on complement inhibitor medication, have a damaged spleen or have had their spleen removed, are traveling to or moving to a country where the disease is common, or are at an increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak, according to the CDC. A discussion with your doctor can help you determine if your child needs this vaccine. Tdap This vaccine provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Babies and children younger than 7 years old get the DTaP vaccine; a Tdap booster to strengthen immunity is given between ages 11 to 12. Flu It’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older (with very few exceptions) get a flu shot every year. In rare cases, people with allergies or certain health conditions should not get a flu shot; this should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Zoster (Shingles) The recombinant zoster vaccine Shingrix is recommended for adults ages 18 and older who are immunocompromised because of disease or therapy and are therefore at increased risk of herpes zoster. This is a two-shot vaccine given over two to six months. RELATED: A Steep Drop-Off in Childhood Vaccination Rates Is a New Pandemic Worry Pneumococcal (PPSV23) The CDC recommends this vaccine, also known as the pneumonia vaccine, for adults over age 65. Pneumococcal (PCV13) Not all adults over 65 need the PCV13 vaccine. According to the CDC, older adults should talk to their healthcare provider about whether to get it. Zoster (Shingles) The recombinant zoster vaccine Shingrix is recommended for healthy adults who are 50 and older. RELATED: What You Need to Know About Getting Vaccinated at a Pharmacy Cholera This vaccine protects against cholera, an acute intestinal infection that’s caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It causes acute diarrhea that can last for days and can even be fatal. Dengue For some travelers going to tropical and subtropical areas, a dengue vaccine is necessary to prevent dengue (also known as dengue fever), a mosquito-borne illness that can cause a high fever, muscle pain, and a rash. In some serious cases, dengue can be fatal. Japanese Encephalitis This virus is spread by infected mosquitos and is found in Asia and the western Pacific. Most cases are mild, but it can cause serious brain swelling. It requires two doses, spaced 28 days apart. Meningitis Travelers to certain areas such as sub-Saharan Africa are at an increased risk for meningitis and may need a booster dose. Your healthcare provider and your destination country will provide guidance on whether you need this extra protection. Rabies People can get the rabies virus if they are bitten by an infected animal. Symptoms can include fever, headache, excess salivation, paralysis, and confusion; once symptoms appear, the infection is almost always fatal. A vaccine is recommended when traveling to countries where rabies is common. Three doses are recommended to prevent the disease prior to exposure. The rabies vaccines can also help prevent infection even if a person wasn’t immunized before they were exposed. If a person is bitten by an animal that is suspected to have rabies, they should see a healthcare provider right away. Typhoid (ViCP) Typhoid is a bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated food or water or close contact with someone who has the disease. It can cause fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headache; in rare cases, typhoid fever can be fatal. The vaccine can prevent typhoid fever and can be given with a shot or orally over a period of a few days. Yellow Fever Mosquitos spread this viral infection in some parts of Africa and South America. The disease can cause fever, headache, vomiting, and nausea, and severe cases can be fatal. The vaccine is given in a single shot and provides lifelong protection for most people.
