Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have for preventing serious illness. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regularly updates vaccine recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence. Here's what you need to know about recommended vaccines for 2025-2026.
Annual Vaccines
These vaccines are recommended yearly:
- •Influenza (flu): Recommended for everyone 6 months and older, ideally by end of October
- •COVID-19: Updated boosters recommended annually, similar to flu shots
You can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same visit. Studies show this is safe and effective.
Vaccines for Adults 19-64
Routine vaccines recommended for adults:
- •Tdap/Td: One Tdap dose, then Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
- •MMR: 1-2 doses if not previously vaccinated or no evidence of immunity
- •Varicella (chickenpox): 2 doses if not previously vaccinated and no history of disease
- •HPV: Recommended through age 26; available through age 45 for some
- •Hepatitis B: Complete series if not previously vaccinated
- •Shingles (Shingrix): 2 doses for adults 50 and older
Vaccines for Adults 65+
Additional vaccines recommended for older adults:
- •Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23): Protects against pneumonia, meningitis
- •Shingles (Shingrix): If not already received
- •RSV vaccine: Recommended for adults 60+ (newer vaccine)
- •High-dose flu vaccine: Preferred option for those 65+
Vaccines Based on Health Conditions
Certain conditions warrant additional vaccines:
- •Diabetes: Hepatitis B series recommended
- •Heart or lung disease: Pneumococcal vaccines
- •Immunocompromised: Special considerations - discuss with your doctor
- •Healthcare workers: Hepatitis B, annual flu, and COVID
- •Pregnant women: Tdap (each pregnancy), flu, COVID, RSV (during pregnancy)
Travel Vaccines
International travel may require additional vaccines:
- •Hepatitis A: Many destinations
- •Typhoid: South Asia, other regions
- •Yellow fever: Required for some countries
- •Meningococcal: Sub-Saharan Africa, Hajj pilgrimage
- •Japanese encephalitis: Rural Asia
- •Rabies: Extended travel to high-risk areas
Plan travel vaccines 4-6 weeks before your trip. Some require multiple doses or time to develop immunity.
Childhood Immunization Schedule
Children need multiple vaccines from birth through adolescence:
- •Hepatitis B: Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
- •DTaP: 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years
- •Hib: 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months
- •Polio (IPV): 2, 4, 6-18 months, 4-6 years
- •Pneumococcal (PCV): 2, 4, 6, 12-15 months
- •Rotavirus: 2, 4, 6 months
- •MMR: 12-15 months, 4-6 years
- •Varicella: 12-15 months, 4-6 years
- •Hepatitis A: 12-23 months (2 doses)
- •HPV: Age 11-12 (2 doses)
- •Meningococcal: Age 11-12, booster at 16
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval and continuous monitoring afterward. The CDC and FDA maintain multiple systems to track vaccine safety:
- •VAERS: Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
- •VSD: Vaccine Safety Datalink
- •CISA: Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project
Vaccines at On Call Primary Care
All CDC-recommended vaccines are available as part of your membership. We maintain a complete inventory of adult vaccines and can order any specialty vaccines you need.
During your annual wellness visit, we'll review your immunization history and ensure you're up to date. We also offer convenient vaccine-only appointments when you need a specific shot.