Immunizations

MMR

Doctors recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

The CDC provides the following recommendations: 

• Children need two MMR doses: one at 12-15 months and a second at 4-6 years. It’s safe for kids to receive MMR doses at the same time as they receive other vaccines.
• Older children, adolescents and adults need one or two doses of MMR vaccine if they don’t have evidence of immunity. Doses should be separated by at least 28 days apart.
• Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before departing. Infants ages 6 to 11 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. They should then get two more doses after their first birthday.
• Individuals who received the killed measles vaccine in the 1960s should talk to their health care provider about getting revaccinated with the current, live MMR vaccine. Not many people fall into this group. Fewer than 1 million people received the killed vaccine between 1963 and 1967.

If you have additional questions about whether you’re up to date on MMR vaccines, view the CDC’s FAQs or speak to your healthcare provider.

RSV

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common illness that causes infection of the lungs and respiratory tract. In adults as well as older, healthy children, RSV symptoms are mild and typically mimic the common cold. Certain groups, however, are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. These include infants and some older adults. To help protect these vulnerable populations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an RSV vaccine.

Follow these guidelines:

• Babies ages 8 months and younger should receive the vaccine. In addition, doctors may recommend the vaccine for some older babies at increased risk for becoming seriously ill from RSV. This group typically would include babies between the ages of 8 months and 19 months.
• To maximize protection for babies after birth, the CDC recommends seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine for pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy. The vaccine is recommended for people who fall into that group during RSV season — which can vary but typically runs between September and January. Individuals in this group should ask their physician about getting vaccinated.
• Adults 60-74 years: RSV vaccination is recommended for those who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, such as people with certain chronic medical conditions or those living in nursing homes. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance if you have questions. Those eligible between the ages of 60 and 65 can receive the vaccine at their primary care clinic or a pharmacy. Those 65 and older who are on Medicare should receive the vaccine at a retail pharmacy because payment is covered through Medicare Part D.
• Adults 75 years and older: Everyone in this age group should receive one dose of an RSV vaccine at a retail pharmacy if they have not previously received one.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines help protect against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

• The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination based on age, health conditions and individual risk:
  • Adults 65 years and older should receive COVID-19 vaccination.
  • People ages 6 months through 64 years should talk with their healthcare provider about whether COVID-19 vaccination is right for them based on their individual health and risk factors.
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may need additional doses for optimal protection.
  • If you have questions about whether you should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

Note: It’s safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines in the same visit.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia vaccines help protect against pneumococcal infections, including invasive disease.

The CDC recommends pneumonia vaccination for the following groups:

• Children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older
• Children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease

If you have questions about whether you should receive the pneumonia vaccine, speak to a healthcare provider. View more details on CDC recommendations.