Vaccinations

Flu Vaccine Patient Teaching

All children at least 6 months old should take this vaccine each year

Recommended for older adults yearly

May not prevent from developing active disease but highly effective at preventing severe disease/complications

Side effects: mild soreness + redness at injection site, fever, chills, headache

Patients with allergies should not take the vaccine

Patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome should not take the vaccine

Seek medical attention if hives, swelling of the face/throat, or difficulty breathing occur

Young children have an increased risk of febrile seizures if PCV and flu vaccines are given at the same time

Can be given at the same time as COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations

Delay if experiencing illness

Shingles Vaccine Patient Teaching

Recommended for adults 50+

Two doses at 2-6 months apart advised

Side effects: pain/redness/swelling at injection site, headache, fatigue, fever, and upset stomach

Can take over the counter pain relievers for symptoms

Speak with healthcare provider if you are pregnant

Can be given at the same time as other vaccines

Delay if experiencing illness

Pneumococcal Vaccine Patient Teaching

Recommended for adults 65+ every 5-10 years after initial immunization

Initial immunization consists of two doses (PCV 13 followed a year later by PPSV23)

Can prevent bacterial meningitis

PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21 are typically used in children/infants/older adults with certain risk factors

Side effects: redness/swelling/soreness at injection site, fever, headache, loss of appetite

Delay if experiencing illness

If Zostavax is considered at the same time as PCV23, best to take them 4 weeks apart

Young children have an increased risk of febrile seizures if PCV and flu vaccines are given at the same time

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