It can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t get when it comes to vaccines. How do you take the necessary precautions to be safe and healthy without having questionable substances injected into your body? The best thing that you can do is turn to the CDC to see what is being recommended — and what has already been backed by science.
Vaccination has been a vital part of public health, contributing significantly to preventing diseases and saving millions of lives worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a significant role in recommending the use of specific vaccines based on scientific evidence and disease burden in the United States.
1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine:
The flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine or seasonal flu shot, is a crucial preventive measure against influenza viruses that cause severe illness and death every year. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older, especially those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and individuals over the age of 65.
2. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TD3) Vaccine:
The tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine, commonly referred to as “Td” or “Tdap,” protects against three serious diseases. Tetanus, a bacterial infection characterized by muscle stiffness and seizures, can lead to death without treatment. Diphtheria is a severe respiratory illness that can cause heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection primarily affecting infants and young children, causing violent coughing spells and potentially life-threatening complications. The CDC recommends a Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults to protect them against these dangerous diseases.
3. Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine:
The varicella vaccine is essential in preventing chickenpox, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The Varicella vaccination is recommended for children aged 12 months through 12 years old, with a booster dose for adolescents between the ages of 11 and 12 years old.
4. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine protects against three highly contagious viral diseases that can result in severe complications or death. Measles can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, which can spread to other parts of the body. Rubella, also known as German measles, can cause miscarriages or birth defects if contracted by pregnant women. The CDC strongly recommends two doses of MMR vaccine for children—the first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:
The human papillomavirus (HPV)Â vaccine is essential in preventing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer and genital warts. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for both boys and girls between 11 and 12 years old, with catch-up vaccinations available through age 26. This vaccine is crucial in protecting individuals against various HPV-associated cancers and genital warts that can cause long-term health problems and complications.
A few others that are recommended:
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
- Meningococcal Disease (MenACWY) Vaccine
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
The CDC’s recommended vaccines play a vital role in maintaining public health and individual wellness.
Remember that it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
