Vaccine

How often

Disease prevented

Recommended for:

Hepatitis A (HepA)

2 doses

Hepatitis A. It's an infection that can cause acute liver inflammation and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated and is at risk of contracting hepatitis A

Hepatitis B (HepB)

3 doses

Hepatitis B. It's an infection that causes severe, chronic liver disease.

Anyone who didn’t get all doses as a child

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

2 doses or 3 doses (depending on age)

Human papillomavirus. This is a virus that causes genital warts. It may increase risk for cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, or throat.

2 doses: Children ages 11 or 12 years. It may be given beginning at age 9 years. 

3-dose series: Ages 15 to 26, with the second dose given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose.

Influenza

1 dose every year

Flu. A viral illness that can cause severe breathing problems.

All children ages 6 months through 18 years and adults 19 and older

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

2 doses with the second dose given several weeks after the first

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) most often causes a respiratory illness. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can result in a hospital stay.

Experts advise COVID-19 vaccination for everyone ages 6 months and older. The specific vaccine and doses vary depending on age and risk. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

2 doses

Measles. This is a viral disease that causes red spots on the skin, fever, and coughing.

Mumps is a viral disease that causes swelling in the salivary glands. It may affect the ovaries or testicles.

Rubella (German measles) is a viral disease that can cause rash, mild fever, and arthritis. If caught by a pregnant woman, can cause birth defects.

Anyone who didn’t get 2 doses as a child. There is a booster recommended as an adult 19 years and up after the primary series in childhood.

Vaccine

How often

Disease prevented

Recommended for:

Meningococcal (MCV)

Two types of vaccines are available:

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, or MenACWY: prevents meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria types A, C, W, and Y

• Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, or MenB: prevents meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria type B

1 or more doses

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to death.

MenACWY: Once at 11 through 12 years, with a booster at 16. A catch-up vaccine may be given between ages 13 to 15 years, with a booster between ages 16 to 18 for children not vaccinated as a preteen. College freshmen should be vaccinated if they have not been before. Note: If a child has a low immune system because of HIV or other health condition, the healthcare provider may recommend vaccinating the child at a younger age than 13.

MenB: Teens may also be vaccinated with serogroup B meningococcal vaccines. This is given between ages 16 and 18, depending on health and risk. Talk with your teen's healthcare provider.

Pneumococcal (PPSV)

1 or more doses

Pneumonia is a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs and can lead to death.

Any teen with a health condition, or in contact with someone at high risk

Polio (IPV)

3 or 4 doses

Polio is a disease that causes paralysis and can lead to death.

Anyone who didn’t get all doses as a child

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

• 5 initial doses of DTaP

• A booster of Tdap at age 11-12

• A booster of Td or Tdap every 10 years

Tetanus (lockjaw) is a bacterial disease that causes muscles to spasm.

Diphtheria is an infection that causes fever, weakness, and breathing problems.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is an infection that causes a severe cough.

Anyone who hasn’t had their 5 initial doses of DTaP, or hasn’t had a booster in the last 10 years, and then a Td or Tdap every 10 years.

Varicella

2 doses

Chickenpox is a disease that causes itchy skin bumps, fever, and fatigue. It can lead to scarring, pneumonia, or brain inflammation.

Anyone who did not both doses before age 6 years