A family with bandages over their recent vaccines.

Immunizations

By being vaccinated, you help prevent yourself from contracting a preventable disease. Let’s build a community of immunity.

Home » Immunizations

Vaccine facts and info

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors and your colleagues from illness.

Vaccines by age group

Children and adults alike need to follow special vaccine schedules for the best protection against disease.

Immunization schedules

Stay up to date with these immunization schedules from the doctors of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Respiratory vaccine information

Seasonal respiratory viruses are the source of many illnesses every year. Learn these common infections and how best to prevent them.

Infection
Viral Infections During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, it’s important to take precautions against viral infections. A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However, some viruses can ca…
Cold and flu season
Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms
As fall approaches each year, it signals the time for changes in the weather, holidays with family—and coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and headaches. When these symptoms hit, how do you know if y…
An older woman gets a flu shot. There are a lot of myths surrounding the flu.
Flu Myths
The flu, or influenza, is a viral infection. It occurs in your respiratory (breathing) area and affects your throat, lungs, and nose. There are a lot of myths surrounding the flu. A myth is somethi…
Seeing a Doctor
Deciding When to See a Doctor
Should I go to the doctor? Most of us have asked that question at one time or another. Whether it’s a bad cold, a funny-looking mole, or a nagging pain that just won’t go away, it can be hard to kn…
A doctor gives a child a vaccine in the arm. There are many misconceptions regarding vaccines. Use this evidence-based information to avoid common vaccine myths.
Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact
There are many common misconceptions regarding vaccines. If you find yourself trying to decide if you’re for or against them, here is some evidence-based information offered to clear up any co…
Spotlight – Doctor's Note

What your doctors say about vaccines

Dr. Emily briggs

Why vaccinating for hepatitis B is so important

Laura Morris, MD

Dr. Laura Morris

What I tell my patients about measles

Dr. mary nguyen

Tylenol, autism and pregnancy: what you need to know

Questions to ask your doctor

Vaccines are safe and effective and can help prevent against serious illnesses. While vaccines for adults are widely available, the majority of vaccines are given to children. That’s because your child’s immune system is still developing. If you have concerns about vaccines for you or your child, start by asking your family doctor these questions:

  • How do vaccines work?
  • How long does protection last?
  • Do vaccines cause autism?
  • What ingredients are in vaccines?
  • What are side effects of getting vaccinated?
  • If I missed a vaccine dose, how do I catch up?