Immunizations and vaccine counseling
During a vaccine visit, your doctor or nurse reviews your shot records and makes sure you are up to date. They ask about your age, health history, pregnancy plans and travel to decide which vaccines you need. They’ll explain vaccines like the flu shot, tetanus booster, HPV series, shingles vaccine or others, and answer any questions you have. The goal is to protect you from diseases before you are exposed.
Vaccines are special medicines that train your immune system to fight infections. Depending on your age and health, you might receive vaccines such as the yearly flu shot, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), HPV vaccine, shingles vaccine, measles–mumps–rubella (MMR), chickenpox, hepatitis A and B, pneumococcal, meningococcal, COVID‑19 and others. Vaccines may contain inactivated (killed) germs, weakened live germs or pieces of germs, so your body can build protection without making you sick.
Most vaccines don’t require lab tests beforehand. Occasionally your doctor may order a blood test called a titer to see if you’re already immune.
• Immunity titers measure antibodies in your blood for diseases like chickenpox or hepatitis B when your vaccine history is unclear.
• If the titer shows low or no immunity, you may need a booster or a full vaccine series.
None (vaccines are shots rather than imaging tests)
Vaccines are preventive, not used for treating symptoms. If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash or other severe reaction after a shot, you should call your doctor right away.
Stay on schedule: flu shots are given every year; Tdap boosters every 10 years and during each pregnancy; HPV vaccine series is usually completed by age 26 (catch‑up up to age 45); shingles vaccine is recommended at age 50 (two doses); COVID‑19 boosters as advised; MMR and chickenpox vaccines for those who never had them; hepatitis A and B for travellers and those at risk; pneumococcal vaccines at age 65 or earlier for people with certain conditions; RSV vaccine for adults 60 or pregnant; and other vaccines as recommended by your doctor.
Keeping up with vaccines is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your community from serious diseases. Shots work with your immune system to prevent infections that can make you very sick. Combine vaccination with healthy habits like washing your hands, covering coughs and staying home when you’re sick to limit the spread of germs. Getting vaccinated also helps protect babies, older adults and people with weak immune systems who can’t get certain vaccines.
Your primary care provider keeps track of your vaccinations and can give many of the shots right in the office. They may coordinate with local pharmacies or public health clinics if certain vaccines aren’t available on site. For travel, they might refer you to a travel clinic for specialized vaccines. If you have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine or have a weakened immune system, they may consult an allergist or immunologist. They also make sure your vaccinations are recorded in the state immunization registry so there’s a permanent record.