What Are the CDC Vaccine Recommendations?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the foremost national public health institute in the United States. It establishes guidelines to help preserve public health and provide Americans with answers to their medical questions—like what vaccines they should receive and how often. The following are the CDC’s age-based 2020 vaccine recommendations:

At Birth

• Hepatitis B

Between One and Four Months Old

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTaP)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
• Polio (IPV)

At Six Months

• Influenza (flu) (to be continued on a yearly basis throughout life)
• Polio (IPV)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)

Between One and Two Years Old

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis A
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
• Polio (IPV)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTaP)

Between Four and Six Years Old

• Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTaP)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Polio (IPV)

Between 11 and 12 Years Old

• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Meningococcal conjugate
• Tdap

At 16 Years Old

• Meningococcal booster

Between 19 and 26 Years Old

• Td or Tdap
• Serogroup B meningococcal (if at an increased risk)

Between 27 and 60 Years Old

• Td or Tdap booster every 10 years and during pregnancy
• Shingles after age 50

At 65 Years or Older

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide
• Td or Tdap booster every 10 years

It’s important to note that you should also receive a flu vaccine every year, ideally in September or October. Your primary care physician may also make changes to your recommended vaccine schedule based on your job, travel plans, overall health and chronic conditions you may have.

Vaccines and Preventive Care at Tufts Medical Center Community Care

Tufts Medical Center Community Care is a multispecialty medical group that is led by more than 80 skilled medical practitioners, including family medicine and internal medicine doctors who provide vaccines and other important preventive care services to adult and pediatric patients in north suburban Boston. Whether you require immunizations for travel, are unsure if you’re up-to-date on your vaccines, or you simply are due for a physical, we can provide the individualized medical care you need. We also make it simple to speak with a doctor thanks to our better-than-average appointment availability.

Do you have questions about what vaccines you may require? If so, find the answers you need at Tufts Medical Center Community Care. To reserve an appointment at one of our multiple convenient locations, contact our friendly professionals today or reserve an appointment online. Our practice accepts most major health insurance plans and caters to patients of all ages. We look forward to helping you achieve your best health!