Immunizations and vaccinations

Inmunizaciones y vacunas

Las vacunas son una forma muy eficaz de prevenir enfermedades al inmunizar a las personas de todas las edades contra ellas, incluidas las enfermedades infecciosas mortales como las paperas, la rubéola y la tos ferina.

Los términos "vacuna" e "inmunización" se usan comúnmente para significar lo mismo, pero hay una diferencia.

Una vacuna es un producto que estimula deliberadamente su sistema inmunológico para que se vuelva inmune a una enfermedad específica, y la inmunización es la respuesta exitosa de su cuerpo a esa enfermedad.

Vaccines work.

Statistics report dramatic declines in vaccine-preventable diseases when compared with the pre-vaccine era.

Encuentre los lugares de vacunación

Los beneficios significativos de vacunarse

Victorias históricas sobre la enfermedad

Las vacunas han reducido en gran medida e incluso eliminado muchas enfermedades infecciosas que solían dañar, e incluso matar, a personas de todas las edades, en todo el mundo.

Algunas de estas enfermedades todavía existen, y usted puede contraerlas si no está vacunado. De hecho, miles de adultos en los EE. UU. se enferman gravemente y son hospitalizados cada año por enfermedades prevenibles con vacunas.

Seguro y conveniente

La vacunación es una de las medidas de atención preventiva más convenientes y seguras disponibles. Es por eso que, durante años, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. ha trabajado con socios federales y locales para proteger la salud pública y prevenir enfermedades infecciosas.

Visite a su proveedor de atención primaria para vacunarse y ayudar a protegerse a sí mismo, a su familia y a su comunidad.

Learn more about the most common vaccines:

Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

Flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and even the lungs. It can range from mild to severe, and can be fatal. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to prevent severe illness and complications.
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COVID 19 Vaccine

COVID 19 Vaccine

COVID19 is a respiratory illness that can cause cold and flu-like symptoms, and can also affects other parts of your body. Most people will have mild symptoms, but the illness can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases. Vaccinating against COVID19 is the best protection to prevent severe illness.
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine

RSV is a common respiratory illness that spreads most often through the fall and winter months. It often causes mild symptoms, but can be severe in certain populations. The best defense against severe illness is the RSV vaccine.
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MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles)

MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles)

Measles, mumps and rubella are all viral infections that cause a variety of symptoms and levels of severity. Measles is highly contagious and was known for its rapid spread, possible complications and fatality rate. The MMR vaccine has proven successful in lowering transmission rates and severity of the disease.
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Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

Chicken pox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash, among other symptoms. For certain populations, chickenpox can be severe or even life-threatening. The varicella vaccine is recommended for everyone, but especially for certain populations.
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Herpes Zoster Vaccine (Shingles)

Herpes Zoster Vaccine (Shingles)

Shingles is a painful viral rash that usually affects only one side of the body. It usually affects older populations, and can cause serious long-term complications. The shingles vaccination is recommended for everyone 50 years and older.
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Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. The infection can range from mild to severe and can cause life-long complications and even death. The hepatitis vaccine is recommended for everyone, starting from birth.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)

Human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)

HPV infection is very common and there are an estimated 14 million new cases in the US every year. While most cases are mild and clear on their own, HPV can lead to a variety of cancers later in life. The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone, ideally starting in childhood.
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Flu (Influenza) vaccine

Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine, every season, especially people at higher risk of developing complications*

People at risk:

Influenza can cause complications in these groups of people.

  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Children younger than 2 years old
  • People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications
  • Those with a weakened immune system due to disease (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or some cancers such as leukemia) or medications (such as those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, or persons with chronic conditions requiring chronic corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system)
  • People with certain disabilities—especially those who may have trouble with muscle function, lung function, or difficulty coughing, swallowing or clearing fluids from their airways.
  • Pregnant women, including up to 2 weeks after the end of pregnancy
  • Those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • Certain racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk for hospitalization with flu, including non-Hispanic Black persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons

Conditions that cause risk of complications:

  • Asma
  • Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
  • Neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
  • Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
  • Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
  • Trastornos renales
  • Liver disorders
  • Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
  • Body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or higher
  • History of stroke

Since 2010 (except for 2020-2021 flu season), it is estimated that flu resulted in 120,000-170,000 hospitalizations and 6,300-52,000 deaths in the United States. Worldwide, flu causes 290,000-650,000 respiratory deaths annually.

Myths vs facts for the flu vaccine:

MYTH: Getting a flu vaccine will give you flu.
FACT: Flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single protein from an influenza virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so that they will not cause illness.

MYTH: Flu illness is not serious.
FACT: Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any influenza virus infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness to obtain immune protection.

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Vacuna contra el COVID-19

Who should be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Children 6 months – 23 months, children and teens age 2 years – 18 years with health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID, people living in long-term care facilities or other group settings, have never been vaccinated against COVID, or have household contacts who are at high risk for severe COVID should be vaccinated with the COVID 2-dose vaccine. Children 2-18 years without risk factors can get a single dose of the updated COVID vaccine. Pregnant patients should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or “booster” at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period or when lactating. All adults 18 years and older, especially if you are older than 65 years old, at increased risk for COVID infection, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should do so.

Conditions that increase risk:

Adults older than 65 are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than among people ages 18-29 years. Your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of your underlying medical conditions increases. Some people are at increased risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they can’t get health care. This includes many people from racial and ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities.

Myths vs facts for the COVID-19 vaccine:

Myth: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will cause me to test positive on a viral test.
Fact: None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​

Myth: The ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous.
Fact: Nearly all the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines are also ingredients in many foods – fats, sugars and salts. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain ingredients like preservatives, tissues (like aborted fetal cells), antibiotics, food proteins, medicines, latex or metals.

Myth: The natural immunity I get from being sick with COVID-19 is better than the immunity I get from COVID-19 vaccination.
Fact: Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will affect my fertility.
Fact: There is currently no evidence shows that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in women or men.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines can alter my DNA.
Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine

Who should be vaccinated against RSV?

All adults ages 76 and older and adults 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV should be vaccinated sometime between September through January. Pregnant women should get a single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

The following conditions increase the risk of severe RSV:

  • Chronic cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease or congenital heart disease [excluding isolated hypertension]).
  • Chronic lung or respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, interstitial lung disease or cystic fibrosis).
  • End-stage renal disease or dependence on hemodialysis or other renal replacement therapy.
  • Diabetes mellitus complicated by chronic kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy or other end-organ damage, or requiring treatment with insulin or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.
  • Neurologic or neuromuscular conditions causing impaired airway clearance or respiratory muscle weakness (e.g., post stroke dysphagia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy [excluding history of stroke without impaired airway clearance]).
  • Chronic liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis).
  • Chronic hematologic conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease or thalassemia).
  • Severe obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2).
  • Moderate or severe immune compromise.
  • Residence in a nursing home.
  • Other chronic medical conditions or risk factors that a healthcare provider determines would increase the risk for severe disease due to viral respiratory infection (e.g., frailty, situations in which healthcare providers have concern for presence of undiagnosed chronic medical conditions, or residence in a remote or rural community where transportation of patients with severe RSV disease for escalation of medical care is challenging).

In 2024-2025, RSV was associated with 3.6 million-6.5 million RSV out-patient visits, 190,000-350,000 RSV hospitalizations, and 10,000-23,000 RSV deaths. Maternal RSV vaccine reduced the risk of the baby being hospitalized for RSV by 68% and risk of having a healthcare visit for RSV by 57% within 3 months after birth. In the same trial, the RSV vaccine reduced the risk of the baby being hospitalized for RSV by 57% and risk of having a healthcare visit for RSV by 51% within 6 months after birth.

Myths vs facts for the MMR Vaccine:

Myth: Only infants are at risk for severe RSV infection.
Fact: Older adults and individuals with certain medical conditions are also at risk for severe RSV illness.

Myth: You can only get RSV once in your lifetime.
Fact: It is possible to get RSV multiple times.

Myth: Adults do not need to worry about RSV.
Fact: Adults, especially those 60 years and older or with certain health conditions, can be at risk for severe RSV illness.

Myth: If you have been vaccinated against the flu, you’re protected against RSV.
Fact: Flu vaccines protect against flu, not RSV. A separate vaccine is needed for RSV.

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MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles)

Who should be vaccinated against MMR?

Infants should get their first dose between 12-15 months and their second dose at 4-6 years of age; all adults should have 2 documented doses of MMR or have documentation of titers that show protection.

Before the measles vaccination program started in 1963, an estimated 3-4 million people in the US got measles and 48,000 people were hospitalized with 500 deaths per year. There are on-going outbreaks of measles in the US, Canada, Mexico and the world, increasing risk of infection in unimmunized individuals. Mumps virus infection can cause inflammation in the testes or ovaries potentially leading to permanent infertility. It also can cause deafness, inflammation of the pancreas and inflammation of the brain. Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. Congenital rubella syndrome which can cause growth delays, cataracts, deafness, congenital heart defects and learning disabilities occurs in up to 85% of infants born to people who had rubella in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Myths vs facts for the MMR vaccine:

Myth: Measles is a harmless childhood illness that is no longer around.
Fact: Measles is not harmless—and it’s definitely not gone. As of September 2025, there have been over 1400 cases and 3 deaths in the U.S. this year alone. 97% of cases have been in people who were unvaccinated. Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), hearing loss and even death, especially in young children. The virus is one of the most contagious diseases known and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Myth: The measles vaccine causes autism.
Fact: Extensive research shows no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Numerous scientific studies over many years have shown there is no connection between autism and the MMR vaccine, confirming its safety and encouraging public confidence in immunization. Still, misinformation continues to spread, and unfounded fears persist.   

Myth: Only kids get measles.
Fact: Adults can get measles too, especially if they were not fully vaccinated. In fact, recent outbreaks have affected many adults who missed doses in childhood.

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Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine 

Who should be vaccinated against chickenpox?

Infants should get their first dose between 12-15 months and their second dose between 4-6 years of age. People 13 years or older should get two doses 4-8 weeks apart without evidence of immunity (if >8 weeks since the first dose, the 2nd dose may be given without restarting the series). The vaccine is also recommended for specific groups if they do not have evidence of immunity, including people with HIV infection, people with some degree of immunodeficiency, household contacts of immunocompromised people, postpartum and nursing mothers and healthcare personnel.

“Chickenpox” used to infect 4 million people in the United States every year. More than 10,000 were hospitalized, and more than 100 died. A mild case can cause a child to miss school for a week or more.

Myths vs facts for the chickenpox vaccine:

Myth: Having chickenpox itself builds better immunity than the vaccine.
Fact: Exposing a child who is not vaccinated to the chickenpox virus is not a safe and effective way to build immunity. Not only is there no way to know who will have a mild or serious case, but having chickenpox puts your child at risk of having shingles later in life. Only by getting the chickenpox shot will your child be safely protected from chickenpox without the risk of serious complications of the disease or of shingles in the future.

Myth: The chickenpox vaccine can give you chickenpox.
Fact: You cannot get chickenpox from the vaccine. The virus spreads through close contact with someone who has chickenpox. Some people may still get the disease after they have been vaccinated. However, for vaccinated people, the symptoms are usually milder with fewer or no blisters, and most have mild or no fever. 

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Herpes Zoster Vaccine (Shingles)

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

Adults 50 years and older should receive 2 doses of vaccine separated by 2-6 months.

About 1 in every 3 people in the United States will have shingles in their lifetime and the risk of shingles increases with age. Shingles causes a painful rash and can be complicated by post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-term nerve pain which can be severe and debilitating. The pain occurs in the areas where the shingles rash was. PHN can last for months or years after the rash goes away.

Myths vs facts for the shingles vaccine:

Myth: Shingles is the same disease as the chickenpox.
Fact: Although shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, they are not the same illness. Chickenpox is usually a milder illness that affects children. Shingles results from a re-activation of the virus long after the chickenpox illness has disappeared. While it typically resolves in about a month for most people, it can also cause severe and long-lasting pain that is very difficult to treat.

Myth: Shingles only affects older people.
Fact: Shingles typically affects older people, but it can also occur in healthy younger persons and even in children. Those whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV infection, AIDS, cancer or treatment with certain drugs are also at increased risk of getting shingles.

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Hepatitis B vaccine

Who should get the Hepatitis B vaccine?

Children should get their first dose within 24 hours after birth. They can get their 2nd dose at 4-8 weeks after 1st dose. Their 3rd dose 6-18 months after their 1st dose. Children and adolescents age 7 year-18 years can get their 1st dose at any time, their second dose 4 weeks later, and their 3rd dose 38 weeks later and at least 16 weeks after first dose. Age 19 years and older: 1, 2, 3 or 4 doses depending on specific vaccine used and indications.

About 260 million people live with chronic hepatitis B. This means about 1 of every 32 people throughout the world are living with a chronic hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV. People most often get hepatitis B from contact with blood. Blood from a person infected with hepatitis B virus is heavily contaminated with the virus. The virus is present at such high levels that it can be spread by contact with quantities of blood too small to see. The virus can also survive on surfaces longer than most viruses — up to seven days. As a result, even casual contact with the blood of someone who is infected can cause infection. Casual contact can include sharing of washcloths, toothbrushes or razors. The virus can also spread among team members, particularly for contact sports where exposure to blood is more common. People have also been occasionally known to get hepatitis B from contaminated tattooing and medical equipment. People more likely to come into contact with the blood of infected individuals are at increased risk for hepatitis B. This includes healthcare workers, intravenous drug users and newborns of mothers infected with the virus. People can also be infected through sexual contact. The virus is present in semen and vaginal fluids.

Myths vs facts for the Hepatitis B vaccine:

Myth: The hepatitis B vaccine is not needed for newborns because they don’t engage in “risky behaviors” like sharing needles or having sex.
Fact: Newborns can contract hepatitis B from their mothers during birth or from exposure to contaminated blood and bodily fluids after birth. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing this and can prevent serious long-term health issues like liver disease and cancer.

Myth: The hepatitis B vaccine causes autism.
Fact: This is a false claim. The hepatitis B vaccine, like all vaccines, is safe and does not cause autism.

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Human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The minimum age for the HPV vaccine is 9 years. It is recommend to start between ages 9 and 12 years and to catch-up vaccination for all those not full vaccinated by age 18 years. If under 15 years, it is a 2 dose series 6-12 months apart. If >15 years, it is a 3-dose series – dose 1, then dose 2: 1-2 months later and dose 3: 6 months after 1st dose. Recommended for adults 19-26 years and can be a consideration for adults >27 years but would recommend discussing with provider. 

The HPV vaccine protects against infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV), which can lead to certain cancers and genital warts. It is a highly effective way to prevent >90% of cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat, as well as genital warts. 

Myths vs facts for the HPV vaccine:

Myth: PAP smears are also effective: no need for a vaccination.
Fact: The only screening available is for cervical cancer, not other cancers. Five other cancers (affecting both women and men) are caused by HPV. Screening is a secondary prevention method to detect pre-cancerous lesions or cancer early HPV vaccination is effective in the primary prevention of disease.

Myth: HPV vaccines are new so there is no safety and efficacy data on long-term side effects.
Fact: We have 25 years of experience with the HPV vaccines. We have 15 years of real-life experience with several hundred million doses distributed worldwide. The possible side effects are well documented. Vaccine safety has been confirmed by WHO, CDC and many other authorities.

Myth: HPV vaccination can cause ovarian failure.
Fact: No connection between HPV vaccination and ovarian failure has been observed, following observation of 1 million females.

Myth: Vaccines cause autoimmune diseases, neurological disease and death.
Fact: The incidence of autoimmune or neurological conditions and death is the same in HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.

Myth: Children are not sexually active so there is no need to vaccinate them early.
Fact: The earlier you vaccinate, the better the immune response. Fewer doses are needed when individuals are vaccinated under the age of 15 years. The earlier you vaccinate, the better the strength of the prevention.

Myth: Boys and men do not get cervical cancer so they do not need a vaccine.
Fact: HPV is linked to at least five malignancies other than cervical cancer: vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers.
Gender-neutral vaccination provides the best protection for all individuals regardless of gender and (future) sexual orientation.

Myth: After the first sexual intercourse the vaccine does not work any longer.
Fact: In clinical trials most young women were sexually active and the level of protection was >90%. Efficacy data up to the age of 45 years is available. Even after treatment for HPV-related disease, the vaccine potentially reduces the risk of subsequent disease.

Myth: Natural HPV infection already creates a protective antibody response so there is no need for vaccination.
Fact: Antibody response after natural HPV infection is low. HPV vaccination provides a strong immune response and gives robust protection against disease.

Myth: HPV vaccination increases risky sexual behavior and promiscuity.
Fact: There is no evidence that HPV vaccination increases promiscuity or promotes risky sexual behavior.

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Necesita vacunas durante toda su vida

Debe asegurarse de que sus vacunas estén al día porque la inmunidad puede desaparecer a medida que envejece y corre el riesgo de contraer diferentes enfermedades en la edad adulta. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) recomiendan que todos los adultos se vacunen para ayudarlos a prevenir contraer y propagar enfermedades graves que podrían resultar en mala salud, faltas al trabajo, facturas médicas y no poder cuidar a la familia.

Su proveedor de atención primaria analizará con usted el calendario de vacunación para su edad y afección, así como para sus hijos.

Abuelo y nieto abrigados

Recomendaciones de los CDC para adultos

Según los CDC, todos los adultos:

  • Necesita vacunarse contra la gripe estacional (influenza) todos los años. La vacuna contra la influenza es especialmente importante para las personas con afecciones crónicas, las mujeres embarazadas y los adultos mayores.
  • Deben recibir la vacuna Tdap una vez si no la recibieron en la adolescencia para protegerse contra la tos ferina (tos ferina), y luego una vacuna de refuerzo Td (tétanos, difteria) cada 10 años. Además, las mujeres deben recibir la vacuna Tdap cada vez que estén embarazadas, preferiblemente entre las semanas 27 y 36. Además, los CDC recomiendan la vacunación contra el tétanos para todos los bebés y niños, preadolescentes, adolescentes y adultos.

Otras vacunas a tener en cuenta

Además, es posible que necesite otras vacunas según su edad, condiciones de salud, trabajo, estilo de vida o viajes. Las siguientes enfermedades se pueden prevenir siguiendo las pautas de los CDC para las vacunas:

  • Difteria. Enfermedad grave causada por un veneno producido por bacterias. Puede dañar el corazón, los pulmones y los nervios. Puede ser fatal.
  • Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib). Infección bacteriana que provoca afecciones graves como meningitis, neumonía y epiglotitis.
  • Hepatitis A. Enfermedad viral del hígado. Puede contraerse al comer alimentos o beber agua contaminada con heces, o puede contraerla al entrar en contacto con alguien que tenga la infección.
  • Meningitis meningocócica. Infección bacteriana grave de las membranas que cubren el cerebro y la médula espinal (meninges) y que puede poner en peligro la vida.
  • Neumonía neumocócica. Infección pulmonar grave causada por la bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Poliomielitis. Enfermedad viral altamente infecciosa que afecta al sistema nervioso. La poliomielitis ha sido erradicada casi por completo gracias a las vacunas
  • Rotavirus. Un virus altamente contagioso que es la principal causa de diarrea grave en los niños.
  • Tos ferina (pertussis). Enfermedad respiratoria altamente contagiosa.

Efectos secundarios de las vacunas

En la mayoría de los casos, las vacunas se administran a través de una inyección, por lo que los efectos secundarios más comunes son dolor leve, enrojecimiento o hinchazón en el lugar de la inyección, que desaparecen en unos pocos días.

Los efectos secundarios graves son muy raros. Su proveedor de atención primaria analizará con usted los posibles efectos secundarios para ayudarlo a decidir qué es lo mejor para usted y su familia.

Vacunarse contra el COVID-19 es una muy buena idea

Si aún no ha recibido una vacuna contra el COVID-19, UCHealth facilita la programación de una cita para recibirla.