The CDC offers an vaccine guide here: https://www. cdc. gov/vaccines/growing/images/global/CDC-Growing-Up-with-Vaccines. pdf The CDC recommends that all adults get a flu shot each year, as well as vaccines for HPV, whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Children should get a few other vaccines, like chickenpox, polio, hepatitis, meningitis, and mumps. [4] X Research source There are also some people who need more vaccines. For example, someone who works or travels overseas may need a malaria vaccine. You may also need additional vaccines if you have certain health conditions—for instance, you’ll need extra meningitis, pneumonia, and flu vaccines if you’ve had a ruptured spleen or surgery to remove your spleen. You can also install the Shots Immunizations app from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. This app provides information about vaccines as well as recommended vaccine schedules based on things like your age and overall health. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
If you can’t locate your vaccine records, the CDC recommends some strategies like contacting your old schools, reaching out to past doctors, or asking previous employers to see if they have your records. If you don’t have any luck there, the CDC has some other recommendations here: https://www. cdc. gov/vaccines/adults/vaccination-records. html. In a pinch, you can actually get some vaccines twice. This is a good option if you can’t find your records at all. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you’re a minor, the doctor will probably take some extra time to explain the vaccination process to you so you understand it. Take that time to ask anything you might be curious about.
For a list of approved vaccine locations in your state, visit https://vaccineinformation. org/vaccine-finder/. If you just want a flu shot, then any pharmacy can do this. Find a nearby CVS, Walgreens, or independent pharmacy to get your vaccine. Some of these pharmacies might have other vaccines too. Your local public health department may also offer vaccines, sometimes for free or at very low cost. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Health and Human Services Federal department responsible for improving the health and well-being of Americans Go to source
If you’re getting a flu shot at a pharmacy, you usually don’t need an appointment. Private offices will ask for your insurance information when you make an appointment, so have that handy.
If you have particular allergies or illnesses, your doctor might say it’s not right for you to get a particular vaccine. If you still have questions, feel free to ask. Your doctor will be happy to answer.
Focus on breathing deeply if you’re having trouble relaxing. This prevents your muscles from tensing up. In most cases, the shot will be in your upper arm, so at the very least try to keep those muscles loose.
A common trick is picking something in the room to focus intently on so you don’t look at the shot. Try staring at the clock instead, for example. [15] X Research source
The specific side effects will vary depending on what vaccines you received. If at any point you feel uncomfortable about the side effects, call your doctor.
Cold water will probably help you feel better if you have a sore throat or minor fever. You might also have slight chills for a few days, so warm liquids like tea might be a better choice for you.
Only take non-aspirin pain relievers after a vaccine. Aspirin can interact with some medications.
