Routine immunizations protect against serious diseases that can cause lifelong health problems and premature death. Thanks to vaccines, diseases that were once common in the United States — including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) — have been greatly controlled.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following routine primary childhood vaccinations:

• Diphtheria. 
• Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib disease is a major cause of bacterial meningitis). 
• Hepatitis A and B vaccine series.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) series (girls, ages 11 to 12).
• Influenza vaccine (yearly for children six months of age and older).
• Measles.
• Meningococcal. 
• Mumps. 
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough). 
• Pneumococcal (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections). 
• Polio. 
• Rotavirus. 
• Rubella (German Measles). 
• Tetanus (Lockjaw). 
• Varicella (Chicken Pox).

In addition, the CDC recommends the following immunizations for older children, teens and college students (particularly if they were not immunized through primary childhood vaccinations):

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine (catch-up vaccination needed every 10 years).
• Meningococcal vaccine (recommended for previously unvaccinated college freshmen living in dormitories).
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series (girls, ages 11 to 12, and previously unvaccinated older girls and women through age 26).
• Hepatitis A and B vaccine series. 
• Influenza vaccine (yearly). 
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV) vaccine. 
• Any previously listed primary childhood vaccinations not received earlier in life.

It is recommended that adults who lack evidence of immunity be vaccinated against the previously discussed diseases, as well.

In addition, adults are advised by the CDC to receive the following vaccinations:

• Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis  — with boosters every 10 years.
• HPV — for females, ages 19 to 49. 
• Influenza — annually (particularly if in a high-risk group).
• Pneumococcal (polysaccharide) — if over age 65 or in a high-risk group.
• Hepatitis A and B (if in a high-risk group).
• Meningococcal (if in a high-risk group).

For details, including risk factors and detailed vaccine and immunization schedules for all age groups, see the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm.