Children's Vaccines Health Center

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The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is usually given to people ages 2 years to 55 years who need this immunization. Adults older than age 55 are immunized with the meningococcal polysaccharide (MPSV4) vaccine, called Menomune. Some people may need booster shots.

Polio (IPV) (What is a PDF document?)

This shot protects against polio.

Who should get it?

• Adults whose travel or job puts them at increased risk for exposure to polio need three doses of this shot.
• Adults who never had the full series of oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and who have an increased risk of being exposed to polio need the shots they missed.

Routine polio immunization is not recommended for adults (ages 18 and older) who live in the United States.

Consult your doctor or public health department if you missed an immunization or to find out whether you need a specific immunization. For more information about each vaccine, see the topic Vaccine Information Statements.

Immunizations and pregnancy

Before you become pregnant, discuss your immunization history with your doctor. Your immunity protects both you and your baby. Some vaccines (such as the ones for flu and Tdap) can be given during pregnancy. Some vaccines need to be given before or soon after pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, your children should still get their immunizations on schedule. You do not need to speed up or delay your other children's immunizations.

Immunizations and new health threats

In 2007, the FDA approved the first vaccine for humans against bird flu (avian influenza). Immunization is not currently recommended for the public. The vaccine will be kept in the U.S. government stockpile.¹⁰

Immunization safety

You may worry that immunizations are dangerous if given when you have a cold or other minor illness. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the timing of shots. But keep in mind that shots can usually still be given during a mild illness, while medicines are being taken, and in other situations where you may not be in perfect health. There are very few reasons for which doctors suggest that a person postpone or not get an immunization.

Talk with your doctor or public health department if you missed an immunization or to find out whether you need a specific immunization.