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Since vaccination for smallpox was developed in 1796, the life-saving science of immunization has helped stop the spread of many serious illnesses. Once-common viruses like polio are rare today because of large-scale use of safe and effective vaccines.
Growing vaccine hesitancy and avoidance in the U.S. due to misinformation that goes viral gives once-contained diseases more chances to spread. That puts everyone—especially babies, older adults, and people with chronic conditions—at risk of serious illness or death.
For example, measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000—there was no endemic transmission for more than a year. As of October 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received more than 1,645 confirmed cases in 2025. To put that number into perspective, only 59 total cases were reported in 2023.
Getting routine vaccinations is key to keeping our communities safe from potentially fatal diseases. A conversation with your healthcare provider can help you find answers to feel confident in your vaccination decisions.
1. What vaccines are recommended for children?
The opportunity to start vaccinating most children begins at birth with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. After that, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a childhood vaccination schedule for infants, toddlers, and kids through age 18.
By the time kids are ready for kindergarten, they’ll be vaccinated against many major diseases, including:
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Chickenpox: A virus that causes symptoms like an itchy rash, headaches, or fever.
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Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTaP): Three bacterial-related illnesses that can be prevented within one vaccine. Diphtheria largely affects the throat. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, causes painful muscle spasms. Whooping cough, or pertussis, irritates the lungs and airways.
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Influenza: The flu virus typically causes symptoms such as body aches, fever, and runny or stuffy nose.
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Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR): Three virus-based diseases that can be prevented within one vaccine. Measles is commonly marked by a blotchy rash on the skin as well as inside the mouth and a hacking cough. Mumps can cause cheeks to swell and fevers to form. Rubella, also called German measles, is marked by a skin rash and contributes to symptoms like a sore throat and low-grade fever.
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Pneumococcal disease: Caused by a bacteria, it can lead to pneumonia, sinus, or ear conditions.
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Polio (IPV): This virus attacks the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as leg paralysis.
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Rotavirus: It usually causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
All these preventable diseases can trigger dangerous complications, especially for infants and toddlers who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill due to their still-developing immune systems. Timely childhood vaccines play an important role in reducing or eliminating the chance of hospitalization or, as difficult as it may be to think about, the possibility of death.
As an extra dose of precaution, adults who are around vulnerable babies and young children can speak with their doctors about their own vaccination needs. This way, the people who are closest to these little ones can help limit their exposure to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Talk with your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider to choose the path that’s best for your family.
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2. What vaccinations are standard for adults?
Largely, the same vaccines that are standard for children are standard for adults, too. Routine vaccinations received during childhood typically contribute to the vaccinations or boosters that may be needed from age 19 through 49.
In addition to an annual flu shot, common vaccines for adults include those for COVID-19, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus, diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years. If you plan to travel outside the United States, special vaccines may be required depending on your destination.
Related: Read "How a Virtual Travel Consult Can Help You Plan a Healthy Trip".
Other inoculations recommended starting at age 50 include the shingles, pneumonia, and RSV vaccines. The body’s immune system naturally weakens with age, making older adults or people with chronic conditions more easily susceptible to serious illness if infected.
No matter your age, talk with a doctor about your immunization records and vaccination needs to be sure you’re fully protected.
3. Who should get vaccinated?
Most people can safely get vaccinated on the recommended vaccine schedule for their age and overall health. Severe reactions are extremely rare. Side effects are almost always minor and temporary and may include fatigue, headache, or a local reaction at the injection site. These are usually indications that the vaccine is working within the immune system.
Individuals who are allergic to specific ingredients of a vaccine should not get that immunization (this is uncommon). People with weakened immune systems due to chronic conditions such as cancer or HIV may need to avoid specific vaccinations. Your doctor can help you understand whether you can safely take a vaccine.
People who work closely with young children, older adults, or those with vulnerable immune systems should be sure their vaccinations are up to date.
When people who can be vaccinated against preventable diseases choose to do so, they’re protecting themselves and those around them. This helps build herd immunity, which occurs when 80% to 90% of the population is vaccinated, making it more difficult for illnesses to spread.
Related: Read "8 Vaccinations for Your Back-to-College Checklist".
4. Where can I get more vaccine information?
Vaccines are extensively studied—usually for years through large clinical trials—before they’re licensed and approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. See a list of approved vaccines.
Talk with your doctor to determine what’s best for you and your family when it comes to taking medications and getting vaccinated. Discuss your health history, share your concerns, and ask questions—we won’t judge you. As your healthcare partner, we are here to help you make informed decisions about your health.
