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Flu/Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that effects the nose, throat and lungs. Some people with certain health conditions are at higher risk of flu complications. The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year.

COVID-19 vaccines play a crucial role in providing protection against the virus. Although breakthrough infections can still occur among vaccinated individuals, staying updated with COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19. The CDC recommends vaccination or booster shots for everyone who is eligible. By following vaccination guidelines, individuals can help protect themselves and reduce the overall impact of COVID-19 in their communities.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can be prevented through vaccination. This virus spreads when the blood, semen, or other bodily fluids of an infected person enter the body of an uninfected individual. Transmission can occur through sexual contact, sharing of needles or other drug-injection equipment, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Hepatitis B has the potential to develop into a chronic, long-term infection, which can result in serious and even life-threatening health complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most effective method of preventing hepatitis B is by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to the development of certain cancers later in life. To protect your child from these potential cancers, it is recommended to administer the HPV vaccine when they are 11 to 12 years old. HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual, even if they do not exhibit any signs or symptoms. It is recommended that everyone up to the age of 26 receives the HPV vaccine if they have not been fully vaccinated before. However, HPV vaccination is not generally recommended for individuals older than 26 years of age. By following these guidelines, individuals can take important steps to protect themselves from the potential risks associated with HPV-related cancers.

Shingles is a painful skin rash that emerges on either side of the face or body. This rash is characterized by the formation of blisters, which typically crust over within 7 to 10 days and completely heal within 2 to 4 weeks. When shingles affects the face, it can potentially impact the eye and lead to vision impairment. In rare instances, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, the rash may extend more widely across the body and resemble the rash associated with chickenpox. To prevent shingles and its associated complications in adults aged 50 and above, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the administration of two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), known as Shingrix. Additionally, adults aged 19 and older with weakened immune systems resulting from either illness or treatment are also advised to receive the Shingrix vaccine.

Hib vaccine is usually given in 3 or 4 doses (depending on brand). Infants will usually get their first dose of Hib vaccine at 2 months of age and will usually complete the series at 12–15 months of age. Hib vaccine may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot). Hib vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Source: CDC

Children need 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine: First dose: 12 through 23 months of age Second dose: at least 6 months after the first dose Infants 6 through 11 months old traveling outside the United States when protection against hepatitis A is recommended should receive 1 dose of hepatitis A vaccine. These children should still get 2 additional doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection. Older children and adolescents 2 through 18 years of age who were not vaccinated previously should be vaccinated. Adults who were not vaccinated previously and want to be protected against hepatitis A can also get the vaccine. Source: CDC

CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose. Source: CDC

Meningococcal ACWY vaccine can help protect against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. A different meningococcal vaccine is available that can help protect against serogroup B. Source: CDC

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine helps protect against bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. There are three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20). The different vaccines are recommended for different people based on age and medical status. Your health care provider can help you determine which type of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and how many doses, you should receive. Source: CDC

PPSV23 protects against 23 types of bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. Most people need only one dose of PPSV23. A second dose of PPSV23, and another type of pneumococcal vaccine called PCV13, are recommended for certain high-risk groups. Your health care provider can give you more information. Source: CDC

Children should usually get 4 doses of polio vaccine at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years. Most adults do not need polio vaccine because they were already vaccinated against polio as children. Some adults are at higher risk and should consider polio vaccination. Source: CDC

Td is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults. Td is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn. Source: CDC

Tdap is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults. Adolescents should receive a single dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years. Source: CDC

Children need 2 doses of varicella vaccine, usually: First dose: age 12 through 15 months Second dose: age 4 through 6 years Older children, adolescents, and adults also need 2 doses of varicella vaccine if they are not already immune to chickenpox. Source: CDC