Vaccination is a safe and effective step we can take to prepare our bodies to fight off harmful, contagious infection and disease.
Protection From the Spread of Disease
Vaccination (immunization) is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from illness. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and defend itself against specific germs, and are effective at preventing many serious conditions.
Vaccines may come in the form of injections (shots), nasal sprays, pills or liquids. All vaccines must go through extensive research and testing for safety before being approved for use in the United States.
Vaccines We Recommend
University of Vermont Health follows vaccination recommendations developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The AAFP has created immunization schedules for children and adults designed to keep you healthy throughout your life. Based on your age and medical history, you may need periodic booster shots to help you maintain your immunity to certain diseases.
Your provider can help you determine which vaccines you need based on your medical history and risk factors.
Common vaccines we recommend include:
- Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get the most updated vaccines
- COVID-19: Everyone 6 months and older should get the most updated vaccines
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV):
- Adults (75+) and those 50-74 with chronic conditions or living in nursing homes should get the RSV vaccine if they haven’t received it before.
- During September–January, pregnant patients are advised to receive the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (Abrysvo®) at 32–36 weeks.
- Infants get protection through a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or an RSV antibody shot after birth.
- Pneumonia: For adults over 65 or those with conditions that put them at higher risk
- Shingles: For adults 50 and older
- HPV: For children ages 11-12, or adolescents and adults under the age of 26 who did not receive the vaccine as children
- Tetanus: For all infants, children, adolescents and adults
Stay Protected This Virus Season
Staying up to date on your vaccines helps reduce the severity and length of respiratory illness, protecting both you and your loved ones.
Get vaccinated today!
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are available at local pharmacies and clinics.
Vaccine Research & Clinical Trials
In partnership with the Vaccine Testing Center at University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine, we are dedicated to improving global health through the development and study of new vaccines.
