Each year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish updated recommended child, adolescent and adult vaccination schedules. Here, vaccine lawyer Leah Durant provides an overview of where you can find the schedules, what vaccines the CDC recommends, and what you need to know if you or your child experiences a vaccine-related illness or injury.

Where Can I Find the CDC’s Recommended Vaccination Schedules?

The CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules are available on the agency’s website. The CDC has also created an app that provides information about its vaccine recommendations.

What Vaccines is the CDC Recommending for 2021?

In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine (which is not listed on the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules), the CDC recommends vaccination against 17 different viral diseases. The CDC recommends vaccination against various diseases at different ages and different intervals, so it is important to carefully review the agency’s Recommended Vaccination Schedules (or consult with your doctor) to determine when to get a particular vaccination. The CDC currently recommends vaccination against:

  • Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Influenza
  • Measles, mumps and rubella
  • Meningococcal
  • Pneumococcal
  • Poliovirus
  • Rotavirus
  • Varicella
  • Zoster (adults only)

Notably, while the CDC considers each of these vaccines to be safe, it notes that certain health conditions may make it risky to get vaccinated against particular diseases. For more information, you can visit the CDC’s Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated with These Vaccines?

It is also important to note that these are not the only vaccines the CDC recommends. Rather, the Recommended Vaccination Schedules focus solely on the vaccines that the CDC recommends for routine administration. If you are traveling internationally, for example, it may be advisable to get additional vaccines before you go.

What if I (or My Child) Experiences a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury?

While the CDC’s recommended vaccines are generally considered safe, vaccine-related illnesses and injuries can (and do) occur. When a person exhibits symptoms of a vaccine-related illness or injury, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

It is also important to speak with a vaccine lawyer. Vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can be costly, and they can often cause long-term pain and suffering. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides a source of financial recovery, and vaccine recipients and parents can obtain legal representation for their VICP claims at no out-of-pocket cost. Some examples of medical conditions that can support claims for compensation under the VICP include:

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah Durant

Vaccine lawyer Leah Durant provides nationwide legal representation for claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. If you have questions about filing a VICP claim, we invite you to call 202-775-9200 or contact us online to arrange a confidential initial consultation.