Vaccine

How Often

Disease Prevented

Recommended For:

Hepatitis A (HepA)

2 doses

Hepatitis A, an infection that can cause acute liver inflammation and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated and is at risk of contracting hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B (HepB)

3 doses

Hepatitis B, an infection that causes severe, chronic liver disease

Anyone who didn’t receive all doses as a child

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

2 doses or 3 doses (depending on age)

Human papillomavirus, a virus that causes genital warts and may increase risk of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers

2 doses: Children age 11 or 12 years, but may be given beginning at age 9 years. 

3-dose series: Ages 15 to 26, with the second dose given 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose.

Influenza

1 dose every year

Influenza, a viral illness that can cause severe respiratory problems

All children ages 6 months through 18 years and adults 19 and older

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

2 doses

Measles, a viral disease that causes red spots on the skin, fever, and coughing

Mumps, a viral disease that causes swelling in the salivary glands and may affect the ovaries or testicles

Rubella (German measles), a viral disease that can cause rash, mild fever, and arthritis; if caught by a pregnant woman, can cause birth defects

Anyone who didn’t receive 2 doses as a child. There is a booster recommended as an adult 19 years and up after the primary series in childhood.

Vaccine

How Often

Disease Prevented

Recommended For:

Meningococcal (MCV)

Two types of vaccines are available:

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, or MenACWY: prevents meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria types A, C, W, and Y

• Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, or MenB: prevents meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria type B

1 or more doses

Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord; can lead to death

MenACWY: Once at 11 through 12 years, with a booster at 16. A catch-up vaccine may be given between ages 13 to 15 years, with a booster between ages 16 to 18 for children not vaccinated as a preteen. College freshmen should be vaccinated if they have not been before. Note: If a child has low immune system because of HIV or other medical condition, the healthcare provider may recommend vaccinating the child at a younger age than 13.

MenB: Teens may also be vaccinated with serogroup B meningococcal vaccines. This is given between ages 16 and 18, depending on health and risk. Talk with your teen's healthcare provider.

Pneumococcal (PPSV)

1 or more doses

Pneumonia, a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs and can lead to death

Any teen with a health condition, or contact with someone at high risk

Polio (IPV)

3 or 4 doses

Polio, a disease that causes paralysis and can lead to death

Anyone who didn’t receive all doses as a child

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

• 5 initial doses of DTaP

• A booster of TdaP at age 11-12

• A booster of Td or Tdap every 10 years

Tetanus (lockjaw), a bacterial disease that causes muscles to spasm

Diphtheria, an infection that causes fever, weakness, and breathing problems

Pertussis (whooping cough), an infection that causes a severe cough

Anyone who hasn’t had his or her 5 initial doses of DTaP, or hasn’t had a booster in the last 10 years, and then a Td or Tdap every 10 years.

Varicella

2 doses

Chickenpox, a disease that causes itchy skin bumps, fever, and fatigue; can lead to scarring, pneumonia, or brain inflammation

Anyone who previously did not receive both doses