Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A are serious liver diseases with different transmission methods. Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, potentially leading to liver damage, cancer, or death, and is recommended for everyone from birth to age 60. Hepatitis A, caused by a virus found in the stool of infected individuals, is spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Both children and adults should receive childhood vaccines and immunizations for these diseases to ensure protection.

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against bacterial infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, which can cause serious health issues or even death. It’s recommended for anyone who is at high risk of getting seriously ill from these diseases, including children and people over age 65. 

A Tdap immunization can protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria is spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the bloodstream through a cut or open wound. These diseases can be deadly at any age, but whooping cough is especially dangerous for babies, and anyone who is around them should be immunized. 

Chickenpox is an itchy rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus that usually lasts about a week. Additional symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, and headache. It can lead to more severe infections, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain or spinal cord lining, and blood, bone, and joint infections. Sometimes, people who have had chickenpox will get shingles, a painful rash, later in life. 

Influenza is a contagious respiratory condition. A flu shot prevents not only the flu but also millions of flu-related illnesses and complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. The flu is most dangerous for Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system. The CDC recommends vaccinating everyone six months or older for the flu every year.

This highly effective vaccine offers long-term protection—usually for life—against measles, mumps, and rubella. These three diseases are easily spread through contact with infected people and can cause serious health concerns, including meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. This immunization is recommended for children at one year old and anyone older who has not previously been vaccinated.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. It’s spread through sexual contact with someone who is infected with the virus and affects many young people in their late teens or early 20s. HPV immunization can protect against the HPV viruses that cause genital warts and certain types of cancers.

The COVID-19 vaccine protects you and those around you from severe complications like hospitalization and death. It is recommended for everyone six months and older, especially high-risk groups such as those over 65, individuals with chronic conditions, immunocompromised persons, residents of long-term care facilities, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.