Vaccinations: Understanding Your Immunization Record and Boosters

Complete guide to vaccines: immunization schedule, boosters, side effects, and how to keep your vaccination record up to date.

Your vaccination record is a valuable document that traces your immune history. This guide helps you understand vaccines, their boosters, and the importance of keeping this record up to date.

Immunization schedules vary

Vaccination schedules are updated regularly and vary by country. Recommendations may change based on age, health history, and risk factors. Check with your healthcare provider for current guidelines.

How Does a Vaccine Work?

The Principle of Vaccination

A vaccine presents your immune system with a harmless version of a pathogen (virus or bacteria). Your body learns to recognize and fight it, creating "immune memory" that will protect you during a real infection.

Vaccine injection

The vaccine contains antigens (pieces of the pathogen or weakened/inactivated pathogen).

Immune response

Your body produces specific antibodies against these antigens.

Memory creation

Memory cells retain the information to react quickly in case of real infection.

Lasting protection

When exposed to the real pathogen, your body reacts quickly and strongly.

Common Vaccines in the United States

16+

Vaccines recommended (childhood)

Birth

Vaccination begins

High

Coverage target

Varies

Insurance coverage

Common Childhood Vaccines

Vaccine	Protects Against
DTaP	Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
IPV	Polio
Hib	Haemophilus influenzae type b
HepB	Hepatitis B
PCV	Pneumococcal disease
MMR	Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Varicella	Chickenpox
RV	Rotavirus

Simplified Immunization Schedule

Indicative schedule

Exact ages and recommended vaccines may vary. Use this guide to understand concepts (boosters, co-administration, risk situations), but always check current CDC guidelines for precise dates.

Children and Adolescents

Boosters and New Vaccines

4-6 years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella boosters
11-12 years: Tdap booster + HPV series + Meningococcal
16 years: Meningococcal booster

Adults

Don't Forget Boosters!

Every 10 years: Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) booster
Once as adult: Tdap (if not received as teen)
50+ years: Shingles vaccine
65+ years: Pneumococcal vaccines + Annual flu shot

Pertussis and Newborns

Adults in contact with infants (parents, grandparents, caregivers) should have a recent Tdap booster ("cocooning" strategy).

Vaccines Recommended for Specific Situations

Travel

Destination	Recommended Vaccines
Sub-Saharan Africa	Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis
Southeast Asia	Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis
South America	Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A
Middle East	Hepatitis A, Meningitis (pilgrimage)

Plan ahead!

Some vaccines require multiple doses spread over time. Consult a travel medicine clinic 2-3 months before departure.

Healthcare Workers

Required or recommended vaccines:

Hepatitis B (required)
Tdap
Annual Flu shot
COVID-19
MMR

People at Higher Risk

Specific Vaccinations

Immunocompromised: Personalized schedule, live vaccines often contraindicated
Asplenic patients: Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, Hib
Chronic conditions: Annual flu, Pneumococcal
Pregnancy: Flu, Tdap (2nd-3rd trimester)

Understanding Side Effects

Normal and Common Reactions

Frequency (general)

Common: Local pain, redness, fatigue, mild fever
Less common: Higher fever, malaise
Very rare: Severe allergic reactions

Good to know

Mild reactions (pain, fever) are a sign that your immune system is working. They usually disappear within 24-48 hours.

What to Do in Case of Reaction

Local pain

Apply cold, take acetaminophen if needed.

Moderate fever (< 101°F)

Stay hydrated, rest, acetaminophen if uncomfortable.

High or prolonged fever

See your doctor if > 102°F or lasting more than 48 hours.

Allergic reaction

In case of breathing difficulties or facial swelling: call 911 immediately.

Keeping Your Vaccination Record Updated

The Paper Record

An Official Document

Your vaccination record (or immunization card) is the reference document. Each vaccination should be recorded with:

Vaccine name
Lot number
Date of injection
Healthcare provider signature

What If You've Lost It?

Contact your doctor

They may have kept records of your vaccinations.

Blood test (titer)

A blood test can check your immunity against certain diseases.

Start over

If in doubt, revaccination may be recommended. Discuss with your healthcare provider.

How to Use Genki for Your Vaccinations

With Genki, you can:

Record all your vaccines with dates and lot numbers
Receive reminders when a booster is due
Manage records for the whole family (children, parents)
Export a summary for travel or doctor visits

Tip

Photograph your vaccination card and import it into Genki. The AI will automatically extract your vaccination information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get multiple vaccines at the same time?

Yes! The immune system can handle many antigens simultaneously. Combined vaccines (like DTaP) and co-administrations are safe and effective.

Are vaccines 100% effective?

No vaccine is 100% effective. However, even if infection occurs, vaccinated people generally have much milder cases.

Can you get vaccinated if you're sick?

Information

A minor infection (cold) is not a contraindication. However, if you have a high fever, it's better to postpone vaccination by a few days.

"
Vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-effective public health interventions. It prevents 2-3 million deaths per year worldwide.
"

— World Health Organization