Influenza Vaccine

• Recommended for everyone greater than or equal to 6 months old
• Protects against 3 strains of the flu: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B
• There are 4 kinds of vaccine: the traditional flu shot, the intradermal shot, the nasal spray and the high-dose vaccine. Take our Flu Vaccine quiz to see which one may be right for you!

The Traditional Flu Shot

• Approved for everyone greater than or equal to 6 months old
• Administered via a needle injection, usually to the upper arm or thigh (in infants)
• Protects against 3 strains of the flu: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B

The Intradermal Flu Shot

• An alternative to the traditional flu shot using a much shorter and thinner needle
• Approved for everyone aged 18-64 years
• Protects against 3 strains of the flu: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B

The Higher Dose Flu Shot

• Approved for use in adults age 65 years and older
• Administered via a needle injection, usually to the upper arm
• Protects against 3 strains of the flu: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B
• This vaccine contains a higher concentration of vaccine and is intended to create a stronger immune response. A stronger immune response is supposed to offer better protection against the flu, though this has not yet been proven. At this time, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices does not express a preference for the high-dose vaccine compared to other flu vaccines.

The Nasal Spray

• Approved for healthy, non-pregnant adults between the ages of 2 years and 49 years
• Administered nasally, via a spray mist
• Protects against 3 strains of the flu: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B

Hepatitis A

• Protects against Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease that is usually spread from ingesting contaminated food or drink
• Recommended for people traveling internationally, family of international adoptees, and people with chronic liver disease
• A series of 2 shots given over 6-12 months

Hepatitis B

• Protects against Hepatitis B, a contagious liver disease that is spread through contact with blood and body fluids
• Recommended for all adults, especially travelers, healthcare workers, and those with chronic liver disease or a sexually transmitted disease
• A series of 3 shots given over 6 months

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Protects against HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer
• Recommended for previously vaccinated women through age 26, previously unvaccinated men through age 21, and for men through age 26 if they are immunocompromised or have sex with men
• A series of 3 shots given over 6 months

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (sometimes called German Measles)
• Recommended for anyone born after 1957 who has neither been vaccinated nor had the measles
• A series of 1-2 shots given at least 4 weeks apart

Shingles (Zoster)

• Protects against shingles, a painful rash that can occur in people who have had the chickenpox
• Recommended for people age 60 years and older
• Administered as a single shot

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (Tdap)

• Protects against whooping cough (pertussis), a very contagious respiratory illness that can be deadly for infants, as well as tetanus and diphtheria
• Recommended for all adults, especially those with regular contact with infants
• Administered as a single shot

Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td)

• Protects against tetanus and diphtheria
• Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria found in soil and dust that enter the body through cuts or puncture wounds
• Diphtheria is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death
• Most people received a series of tetanus/diphtheria shots as children, however a single booster shot is recommended every 10 years

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (Tdap)

• Protects against whooping cough (pertussis), a very contagious respiratory illness that can be deadly for infants, as well as tetanus and diphtheria
• Recommended for all adults, especially those with regular contact with infants
• Administered as a single shot

Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td)

• Protects against tetanus and diphtheria
• Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria found in soil and dust that enter the body through cuts or puncture wounds
• Diphtheria is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person and can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death
• Most people received a series of tetanus/diphtheria shots as children, however a single booster shot is recommended every 10 years

Meningococcal disease (MCV4, MPSV4)

• Protects against meningococcal disease, a group of bacterial infections that includes meningitis and blood infections
• Recommended for college freshmen living in a dormitory, military recruits, those with damaged/removed spleens, and anyone traveling to or residing in countries where meningococcal disease is common
• A series of 1-2 shots given over 2 months
• Two different vaccines are available (MCV4 and MPSV4); check with your provider which is right for you

Pneumococcal disease (PPSV)

• Protects against pneumococcal disease, a type of bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia and blood, brain, and middle ear infections
• Recommended for adults over age 65 and all other adults with chronic illness or other risk factors
• Administered as a single shot

Chickenpox (Varicella)

• Protects against chickenpox, a viral illness characterized by an itchy rash, fever, and drowsiness
• Recommended for adults born after 1980 who have neither been vaccinated nor had the chickenpox
• A series of 2 shots given over 1-2 months