Vaccines help protect against infections that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and lasting complications. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations is an important part of preventive care throughout life.
The vaccines you need depend on your age, health conditions, vaccination history, and other factors, including pregnancy, work, and travel.
How Do Vaccines Work?
Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and respond to specific germs. Different vaccines use weakened or inactive germs, selected components, or instructions that help the body recognize a germ.
This process builds immune memory so your body can respond more effectively if you encounter the infection again.
Some vaccines require multiple doses or boosters, while others need periodic updates. Vaccination does not guarantee you will never get infected, but it can reduce your risk of illness and serious complications.
Why Are Immunizations Important?
Vaccines can help:
- Prevent serious disease: Including infections such as measles, polio and tetanus
- Reduce complications: Lowering the risk of severe illness from certain infections
- Protect against certain cancers: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines help prevent infections linked to cancer
- Limit the spread of certain diseases: Helping protect people who cannot receive certain vaccines or may respond less effectively
Community protection varies by disease. Not every vaccine prevents transmission in the same way.
Common Immunizations
Depending on your age and health needs, vaccines may protect against:
- Influenza, or seasonal flu
- COVID-19
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Hepatitis A and B
- Human papillomavirus, or HPV
- Chickenpox and shingles
- Pneumococcal and meningococcal disease
- Polio and rotavirus
- Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV
Not everyone needs every vaccine. Vaccine products, eligibility, and timing differ for children, adults, and people with specific risk factors.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Vaccines undergo safety testing before approval and are monitored afterward. Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue or headache
- Mild fever
Serious reactions are rare. Your provider can explain the benefits and risks of a particular vaccine.
Call 911 if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
How to Prepare for a Vaccination Visit
- Bring your vaccination records, if available.
- Share your medication list, including treatments that affect the immune system.
- Report allergies or previous vaccine reactions.
- Mention pregnancy, pregnancy plans or a weakened immune system.
- Discuss upcoming travel, school or workplace requirements.
Some vaccines are not appropriate during pregnancy or for people with certain immune conditions. Your provider can help determine which options are appropriate.
What If You’ve Missed a Vaccine?
It is worth reviewing your records, even if you are unsure which doses you received. Your provider can assess your history and recommend an appropriate catch-up plan.
Review Your Immunization Needs
Not sure which vaccines you need? Schedule a visit with tru Primary & Urgent Care to review your vaccination history and discuss recommended immunizations. Confirm vaccine availability before your appointment.
