Vaccines
Vaccines
The first vaccine was developed in 1796 to protect against smallpox. Since then, numerous vaccines have been developed and played an important role in increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, 3.5 to 5 million deaths are prevented every year thanks to vaccines. In fact, since 1974, research shows vaccines prevented 154 million deaths, including 146 million children under five.
Everyone needs routine vaccinations to stay healthy. COVID and Flu vaccines are recommended every season, but there are others that are important to keep up to date or get if you never have received them. Find out what vaccinations you and your family need.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Children do not receive any known benefits from following schedules that delay vaccines. Infants and young children who follow immunization schedules that spread out or leave out shots are at risk of developing diseases during the time you delay their shots. Get more information.
All vaccines help the body’s immune system fight germs and protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. Many of the vaccines given to children protect them for many years and some protect for life. Speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns. You can learn more here.
Speak to your medical provider about vaccine safety. Use reputable and reliable sources instead of information found on social media or television. Get more information.
If your child does not receive their recommended vaccines, they are more likely to catch several dangerous diseases that can make them very ill, become disabled, or die. They can spread these serious diseases to others in the community who are not able to be vaccinated such as young babies or people with medical conditions who cannot be vaccinated, and put them at risk. Your child may not be able to attend day care or school due to CT Laws and Regulations. For more information, visit immunize.org.
Talk with your child’s doctor, but children can usually get vaccinated even if they have a mild illness like a cold, earache, mild fever, or diarrhea. Get more information.
This theory has been disproven and current research shows that vaccines do NOT cause autism. Learn more.
After each vaccination visit, ask for a copy of the vaccination record. Whenever your child gets vaccinated, make sure your copy gets updated. Bring your copy of the record to all visits. Take a picture of the record after it gets updated with your smartphone for a back-up.
Ask your child's healthcare provider if the vaccination record is available in an electronic health record portal that you can print out. Your healthcare provider reports all vaccinations to CT Wiz (CT Immunization Information System), a web-based system that maintains complete, accurate, and secure immunization records for patients vaccinated in CT. Review the entry in CT Wiz to make sure your child's vaccination record is also in this state registry for safe-keeping.
Generally, you can start where you left off, but consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for you. Learn more.
Vaccines can cause some side effects. Most side effects are minor. For example, you may experience a sore arm, tiredness, or a low-grade fever, which should go away in a few days. Remember, it is much safer to be protected by being vaccinated than being exposed to a severe disease. Talk to your medical provider if you have any concerns about side effects.
The CDC recommends that everyone 50 or older get the shingles vaccine. CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix spaced two to six months apart, even if you previously received Zostavax. In 2020, Shingrix replaced Zostavax, which is no longer available in the U.S. The CDC recommends that people who have received Zostavax get two doses of Shingrix, with the first dose at least eight weeks after Zostavax. The recommended interval between doses is two to six months, with a minimum of four weeks. However, studies have shown that Shingrix is safe and effective when given five or more years after Zostavax, and shorter intervals may be considered, especially if the person was over 70 when they received Zostavax. A healthcare provider can help determine the best time to get Shingrix.
All adult vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are now covered with no out-of-pocket costs. Medicare drug plans won't charge you a copayment or apply a deductible for vaccines you get for things like shingles, whooping cough, tetanus, and more. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800- 633-4227) for more information about Medicare coverage and costs.