Home Health Services Vaccines & Prevention Immunizations by Age
Start strong with a healthy foundation. Childhood vaccines protect against serious diseases and help kids grow up safe and healthy. Adults need vaccines too, whether for routine protection or travel. Find out which vaccines you or your child need and when to schedule them. Get recommended vaccinations as you age to support lifelong health.
Note: The West Coast Health Alliance supports guidelines from national medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Immunizations give newborns critical protection during the earliest and most vulnerable stage of life. A baby’s immune system is still developing, which makes it harder for them to fight off serious infections on their own. Vaccines help shield infants from diseases that can be especially dangerous in the first months, such as whooping cough and hepatitis B. By starting immunizations on schedule, parents are laying the foundation for lifelong health while also helping protect their baby from illnesses circulating in the community.
For newborns, the hepatitis B vaccine is especially important and is recommended to begin at birth, providing early protection against a serious liver infection that can become chronic if acquired in infancy. In the first months of life, vaccines such as DTaP, Hib, polio and pneumococcal begin building protection against diseases that are most dangerous for babies with developing immune systems. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends RSV protection for many infants, either through maternal vaccination during pregnancy or antibody protection after birth.
As children grow, explore and spend more time with other kids, their exposure to germs naturally increases. Immunizations at this age help strengthen a child’s immune system and protect against illnesses that can interrupt learning, play and development. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines during your child’s annual well-child check helps prevent outbreaks in schools and childcare settings, keeping children healthy, active and ready to learn as they build important social and physical skills.
By age three, the focus is on staying on track with the childhood vaccine series that protects against highly contagious illnesses. Vaccines such as DTaP, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) are critical to prevent outbreaks in childcare and school settings. Annual influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended to protect young children, who are more likely than adults to experience serious flu complications.
Immunizations during adolescence protect teens as their bodies grow and their lifestyles expand. This age often includes more social interaction, travel, sports and activities that increase exposure to preventable diseases. Vaccines recommended for adolescents help boost immunity that may fade over time and protect against infections that can have serious long-term health consequences. Staying current also helps teens avoid illness-related disruptions to school, activities and future plans.
During adolescence, the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes vaccines that protect teens now and into adulthood. These include Tdap (to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), HPV (to prevent several cancers later in life) and meningococcal vaccines, which protect against rare but life-threatening infections. Pay special attention to complete a vaccine series. Annual influenza vaccination remains important, and COVID-19 vaccination is recommended based on age and risk, with flexibility for families who want added protection.
For adults, immunizations play a key role in maintaining long-term health and protecting loved ones. Some vaccines need boosters to remain effective, while others become important as health conditions, work environments or travel plans change. Staying vaccinated helps adults reduce their risk of severe illness, miss fewer workdays and safeguard vulnerable family members, including infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
For adults, the American Academy of Family Physicians highlights routine vaccines that prevent severe illness and help protect families and communities. Annual influenza vaccination and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines are key. Adults should also receive Tdap or Td boosters every 10 years, and those without prior immunity may need MMR, varicella or hepatitis B vaccines. Immunization needs may change based on health conditions, work exposure, travel or pregnancy.
As we age, the immune system naturally becomes less effective at fighting infections. Immunizations help seniors maintain independence and quality of life by reducing the risk of serious illness, complications and hospitalizations. Vaccines recommended for older adults help protect against diseases that can be harder to recover from later in life, supporting healthier aging and continued participation in the activities and relationships that matter most.
For seniors, immunizations focus on preventing illnesses that most commonly lead to hospitalization and serious complications. The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination, shingles (zoster) vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines to protect against pneumonia and bloodstream infections. RSV vaccination is also recommended for many adults ages 75 and older, or for those ages 50 to 74 with increased risk. Staying current with COVID-19 boosters further reduces the risk of severe disease.
