Reduce the Risk of Infectious Diseases
Vaccinations are an essential part of your regular care. They safely boost your body’s ability to protect you from infectious diseases and keep you healthy.
Everyone from infants to older adults should stay up to date on their vaccinations for protection against diseases like:
During a wellness visit, your provider will make sure you have the recommended vaccinations based on your age and lifestyle
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Vaccine Schedule
Reasons to Vaccinate
Immunizations – also called vaccines, shots or vaccinations – can protect people of all ages from dangerous, life-threatening diseases.
If you’re a parent and feel hesitant about vaccine safety, talk to your child’s doctor. Physicians are your first source of reliable information. They’re bound by law to give you written information on the benefits and risks of each immunization suggested for your child. Reading this material can help you make a well-informed decision.
Learn more: What every parent should know about vaccines.
How Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by injecting weakened or killed bacteria or viruses into the body. They teach your body’s immune system how to fight the disease and produce antibodies without getting sick.
Different vaccines are recommended for infants, children, teenagers and adults. View our vaccination schedule below.
Immunization and Vaccination FAQs
Who should get vaccinated?
There are recommended vaccines for babies, children, teens and adults, including those who are pregnant. Talk to your primary care provider about which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age, health history and lifestyle.
Most often, you get vaccines:
- During infancy and childhood
- During pregnancy
- Over the age of 50, when you’re at higher risk for certain diseases
- When traveling to an area where certain illnesses are more common
- To maintain your immunity, such as through boosters
- Seasonally, such as the annual flu shot
Are vaccines effective?
Vaccinations offer protection from serious, life-threatening diseases, however, they don’t always prevent you from getting sick. Vaccinations also take time to build immunity in your body, so there is a chance that you could contract an illness after getting vaccinated, but the severity of symptoms is reduced. For some people, their immune system may not develop a strong or long-lasting response to vaccinations.
What are the most common vaccine side effects?
Side effects vary by vaccine, and most are minor, including a sore arm, low-grade fever, headache, tiredness and loss of appetite. Talk to your provider about any past reactions or concerns you have about potential side effects.
Do I need to get vaccinated for infectious diseases that are no longer common?
Yes. Though not common in the U.S., these diseases persist around the world. If you meet someone who has been exposed, you are at risk for contracting illness if you haven’t been vaccinated. By staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, you can protect yourself from contagious, life-threatening diseases.
Are vaccines covered by insurance?
Sanford Health accepts most insurance coverage.
Under the Affordable Care Act, health plans must cover standard vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This includes vaccinations from routine childhood immunizations to updated tetanus shots for adults.
The Vaccine for Children program also provides vaccines to children at no cost. This federally funded initiative helps children who may not have access to vaccinations because of an inability to pay. State programs vary for those who are uninsured or who have limited coverage.
How can I receive a copy of my immunization records?
Contact your primary care provider for your vaccination records. If you have received vaccinations at multiple clinics, contact your state’s health department.
Do vaccines cause autism?
No. Vaccines do not cause autism and there is no evidence to support this connection. There was a study in the late 1990s that linked the MMR vaccine to autism, which has since been discredited.
HPV Vaccines
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. It’s the most common STI in the U.S. with 85% of people getting HPV in their lifetime.
More than 40% of HPV cancers occur among men. Nine out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Since its introduction, there has been a decrease in HPV infections, genital warts and cervical pre-cancers.
Does HPV go away on its own?
For most people, HPV clears up on its own. For others, the virus can linger and cause complications.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine series is recommended for everyone starting between the ages of 9 and 12. If anyone ages 13 through 26 hasn’t been fully vaccinated yet, they should get the HPV vaccine. For those between the ages of 27 and 45 who aren’t fully vaccinated, the vaccine can still offer some benefits.
How many shots do you get?
The vaccine series is two doses given 6 to 12 months apart. Individuals who start the vaccine at or after the age of 15 will need three doses given 6 months apart.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. There are more than 15 years of vaccine safety data available and more than 135 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given in the U.S.
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COVID, RSV, flu and whooping cough vaccines available now
Sanford Health encourages everyone to make sure your vaccinations are up to date