Vaccines

Vaccines are medical products that cause immunization, giving you protection against specific diseases.

Vaccines are medical products that cause immunization – that is, they give you protection against specific diseases. Vaccines can come in the form of an injection, pill, or nasal spray, depending on the type.

Vaccines (also called immunizations (opens in new tab)) work with your immune system to prevent you from catching or passing along serious diseases. Common types of vaccines include:

Flu
TDAP, which prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
HPV
Shingles
Hepatitis A and B
Pneumococcal, which can protect against ear, lung, blood, and spinal cord infections
Meningococcal, which protects against meningitis
Chicken pox
Rotavirus
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
Polio
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to do some research (opens in new tab) on which vaccines you may need to get before your trip.

Take a look at your health insurance plan’s Schedule of Benefits (opens in new tab) to see which vaccines are covered, or give your health insurer a call to confirm.