Immunizations
Disease prevention is crucial to your health. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to maintain good health, and protect you and those you care about against infectious diseases. Vaccinations offer protection against serious diseases by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies against certain bacteria or viruses.
Get vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic, including benefits, safety, side effects and what to know about recommended vaccines for babies, children, teens, adults and during pregnancy. For recommended vaccines based on age, refer to the adult or child and adolescent schedules.
Review the history of infectious disease outbreaks and vaccines timeline for information about major disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics, and the impact of vaccines and research.
Hometown Health Blog
5 things to know during upper respiratory illness season
Signs of fall and winter are appearing, temperatures are cooling and cases of flu, strep throat and RSV are increasing. Read five things to know during this year's upper respiratory illness season.
Answers to 3 common questions about measles
Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., but cases are returning. Get answers to common questions about measles, and read why vaccination is the best defense against the spread of the virus.
Bronchiolitis in children: Understanding cause, symptoms, concerns
For parents, the symptoms of a viral illness are worrisome in infants and young children. Learn about a lower respiratory viral infection called bronchiolitis and symptoms to watch for in children.
6 common flu misconceptions
Common myths about the flu may keep you from taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from the illness. Learn the truth about lowering your risk — starting with the annual flu vaccine.
Expert answers about new COVID-19 vaccine
The FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine that targets current variants. A Mayo Clinic expert explains who should get this vaccine and if it can be given at the same time as the annual influenza vaccine.
Vaccine safety: Answers to 6 common questions
Vaccines have prevented millions of cases of infectious diseases like smallpox, polio and measles. Read why vaccines are the best defense against certain diseases, and get answers to common questions.
Why childhood vaccinations matter
You protect your community and children when they're vaccinated. Learn about the benefits of vaccines, and get answers to common questions.
What should you do if you have COVID-19 or flu?
Unsure if you have flu or COVID-19? Symptoms can be similar. Find out what to do, and how to self-manage symptoms and use the Check Symptoms tool.
9 common questions about vaccines and travel
Planning a trip overseas can be exciting. Learn why you should schedule an appointment with a travel medicine specialist to get the vaccinations and information you need to be healthy and safe on your journey.
Watch out for winter mishaps
Winter is beautiful, but it does come with risks. Take steps to prevent falls, hypothermia, frostbite and more so you can remain in good health and enjoy the splendor of the season.
When to seek medical help for RSV or flu symptoms in children
With an early increase in RSV and influenza cases, a Mayo Clinic expert shares three things parents can watch for when determining if they should seek care for a sick child.
Even grown-ups need vaccinations
Adults outgrow many things, but not the need to keep up on vaccinations. From pneumonia to tetanus, adult vaccines reduce illnesses. Learn which ones adults need and what they do.