< Return to Home

Vaccinations

Most people don’t look forward to getting vaccines, but they are an important part of keeping yourself and those around you healthy. From newborn through age 12, there is a series of required vaccines that have been proven very safe and highly effective in eliminating many diseases that used to cause significant illness and even death. These include diseases like diphtheria, measles, mumps polio, and rubella. There are also seasonal vaccines for things like the flu and Covid that people of all ages should get to protect themselves and those around them.

 

While most vaccines are given before age 12, there are a few reasons teens and adults may require vaccines.

  • There may be some vaccines recommended now that were not available or recommended previously.
  • If you’re travelling out of the country, there may be required vaccines to protect you from diseases prevalent in the area you’re traveling too.
  • Seasonal vaccines like flu and Covid are recommended for age groups like children and teens since they spend time in areas where large numbers of people gather, and the vaccines will protect you in case of an outbreak.
  • Other vaccines recommended for kids starting at age 11 include:
    • Meningococcal vaccines – Meningitis is a condition can spread through casual contact and in places like dorms where people are living close together.
    • HPV – a vaccine that protects against the human papilloma virus, a common virus which can cause several types of cancer or genital warts.
    • Tdap –to protects tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Vaccination records are maintained by health care providers and copies are available to patients. You can start by asking your parent or guardian if they have your immunization records. If they don’t have a copy, your pediatrician or past medical providers will direct you to download them from your electronic health record (EHR) or you may be able to pick up a copy at the office.

If you are missing vaccines, you should schedule an appointment with your provider who will determine which vaccines you need based on your health and age and put together a plan for you.

To learn more about vaccines, visit the Center for Disease Control’s vaccination guidelines