The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to recommend several vaccinations for children and adults. Childhood, teen and adult vaccination schedules are available on the CDC’s website, as are specific recommendations for age groups from birth to 60 years of age or older:

CDC-Recommended Vaccines for Children, Teens and Adults

According to the CDC, “Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases that can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly. However, immunizations are not just for children. Protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions.”

As a result, the CDC currently recommends vaccination against the following diseases prior to age 18, and it provides “catch-up schedules” for adults who did not receive the full recommended vaccination schedule as children:

  • Diphtheria
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Pneumococcal
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Additionally, beginning at age 50, the CDC recommends vaccination against zoster (shingles). This recommendation applies regardless of whether a person has previously had shingles.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

While the CDC generally recommends vaccination for children and adults, there are some people who should not get vaccinated. To determine whether vaccination presents certain health risks, individuals should discuss their medical conditions with their doctors prior to immunization.

For example, the CDC notes that certain vaccinations may not be advisable for individuals who are allergic to individual vaccine ingredients, who have a history of prior adverse reactions to particular vaccinations, or who are sick at the time vaccination is recommended according to the CDC’s vaccination schedule. Individuals who are on certain medications may also be advised not to receive certain vaccinations, as may women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Vaccine-specific recommendations are available from the CDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated with these Vaccines?

What are the Risks Associated with Vaccination?

In addition to the risks associated with particular medical conditions, vaccinations can present a number of additional health risks as well. Once again, individuals should consult with their physicians if they have any concerns about the safety of the CDC’s recommended vaccines. Additional risks linked to CDC-recommended vaccinations include:

Contact National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

For individuals diagnosed with these and other vaccine-related medical conditions, financial compensation may be available through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP). Our firm provides nationwide legal representation for VICP claims at little or no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. If you would like more information, we encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free initial consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant, please call 202-775-9200 or contact us online today.