Many diseases can be prevented by vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has vaccine schedules for adults and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also has vaccine schedules for children. You and your family can use these to make sure you are protected. Getting vaccines when advised may help prevent the spread of these diseases.

Your doctor can help you decide the best vaccination schedule for your family based on current recommendations. The vaccine advice varies by:

• Your age.
• Where you live.
• The risk factors you may have.

Many basic vaccines are often given in combination. This means there are two or more vaccines in one shot (injection). This is done to reduce the number of shots needed. These diseases may be prevented by following guidelines for vaccines:

• Chickenpox (varicella). This is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads easily from person to person. It causes a skin rash. It may lead to complications like pneumonia. It is most common in children. Also see Shingles below.
• COVID-19. This is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from person to person. It infects the lungs and other organs. The disease can be serious and life-threatening. This is most true for people in high-risk groups. These include older adults and people with chronic health problems.
• Diphtheria. This is a serious disease caused by a poison (toxin) made by bacteria. It may damage the heart, lungs, and nerves. It can lead to death.
• Flu (influenza). This is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person. It affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by different strains of flu viruses, that can change from year to year. The flu causes mild to severe illness. It may lead to pneumonia. In some cases, it can cause death.
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). This is an infection caused by bacteria. It leads to serious conditions. They include infection of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), pneumonia, and infection of the throat area that closes the windpipe when swallowing (epiglottitis).
• Hepatitis A. This is a liver disease caused by a virus. You can get it by eating food or drinking water that has stool or blood in it. You can also get it by coming in contact with someone who has the infection. Symptoms may include upset stomach, and severe tiredness (fatigue). It can cause yellowing of the skin (jaundice). But some people have no symptoms. This is often true in younger children.
• Hepatitis B (hep B). This is a liver disease caused by a virus. It is spread through blood and other body fluids. It is also spread in childbirth from someone who is infected during pregnancy. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, and digestive problems. It can cause joint pain and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms can last for weeks or months. Hepatitis B is often more severe than hepatitis A. This is because it can cause more liver damage. It can also turn into a long-term (chronic) hepatitis B infection. This can lead to a severe liver disease called cirrhosis. It can also lead to liver cancer.
• HPV. This is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is very common. It can cause genital warts. It can lead to cervical or anal cancer. It can lead to other serious cancers that are less common.
• Measles (rubeola). Measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is spread very easily from person to person. It causes fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body.
• Meningococcal meningitis. This is a severe infection caused by bacteria. It affects the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include fever, headache, a stiff neck, and nausea. It can also cause mental confusion.
• Mumps. Mumps is caused by a virus. It causes a painful infection in some of the glands that make saliva. They are called the parotid glands. It can also affect other parts of the body. In rare cases, it can infect the testicles. This can cause sterility.
• Pertussis (whooping cough). This is a disease caused by a type of bacteria. It is spread very easily from person to person. It affects the lungs. It causes severe, high-pitched coughing spasms. The coughing may be violent. It may last for long periods.
• Pneumococcal pneumonia. This is a serious lung infection. It is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can also spread into the blood. This is called sepsis. It can cause a brain or spinal infection. This is called meningitis. It can also cause other infections.
• Polio. This is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from person to person. It affects the nervous system. Symptoms may include a flu-like illness. It can cause stiffness in the neck and back, with pain in the arms and legs. In some cases, it can cause lifelong paralysis. This is often in the legs.
• Rotavirus. This is a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. It is the main cause of severe diarrhea in children.
• Rubella (German measles). This is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms include a rash and fever. It can cause birth defects in a baby if a person who is pregnant has the virus.
• Shingles (zoster). This is a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It causes a painful skin rash with blisters. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus stays for life in nerve cells. It can act up years later as a shingles rash.
• Tetanus (lockjaw). This is a disease of the nervous system. It is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Symptoms include painful muscle contractions. These can lead to seizure-like movements. It may lead to nervous system disorders and death.

Depending on where you live, trying to find where to get your vaccines can be hard. There are many resources available. You just have to know where to look. It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here are some resources to help you find where to get vaccinated and where to get the most current recommendations.

• Primary care provider. Call or message your doctor’s care team. Most health care organizations have a patient portal that allows direct messaging between you and your care team. If they don’t provide the vaccine you’re looking for, they may be able to tell you where to go.
• Pharmacy. Pharmacists have current recommendations as well as vaccine information, such as cost and drug interactions. You may be able to get your vaccines there too. Visit your local pharmacy or go to their website to set up an appointment to get vaccinated.
• Health insurance company. Call or message your health insurance company. Most insurers have a member portal that allows direct messaging between you and customer support. They can help you find out your vaccine benefits and in-network providers. Your health insurance card includes contact information.
• Local health department. Your local health department is a reliable, up-to-date resource that works to protect the health of your community. You may be able to get your vaccines there, or they can help you find out where to go.
• State immunization website. This website can help you find out state requirements for vaccines as well as where to go to get vaccinated in your state: https://www.immunize.org/official-guidance/state-policies/state-websites/