US Vaccine Strategy
Get personalized vaccine recommendations based on CDC guidelines by age, health conditions, and vaccination history. Free US vaccine schedule tool with charts and breakdowns.
About This Calculator
The US Vaccine Strategy Calculator helps you determine which vaccines you need based on the CDC's Adult and Child Immunization Schedule. By entering your age, sex, health conditions, and vaccination history, you receive a personalized list of recommended vaccines with their status, schedule, and the reason for each recommendation.
This tool is designed for US residents and follows the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations published by the CDC. It covers all major vaccines including influenza, COVID-19, Tdap/Td, HPV, Shingrix, pneumococcal, RSV, and occupational vaccines for healthcare workers.
How the recommendations work
The calculator evaluates your profile against the CDC schedule using these criteria: age-based recommendations (e.g., Shingrix at 50+, pneumococcal at 65+), risk-based recommendations (e.g., immunocompromised conditions, chronic diseases), occupational recommendations (e.g., Hepatitis B and MMR for healthcare workers), and pregnancy recommendations (Tdap at 27–36 weeks, RSV at 32–36 weeks). Vaccines you've already received are marked as up-to-date, while missing vaccines are flagged as due now.
Regional Notes
United States: Vaccine schedules follow CDC ACIP recommendations. Insurance coverage varies by plan under ACA preventive care provisions. Medicare Part B covers flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines at no cost. Part D covers Shingrix and Tdap. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines to eligible children.
Comparability: While vaccine recommendations differ by country, the CDC schedule used here is specific to the United States. Other countries follow WHO or national health authority guidelines that may differ in timing and vaccine types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines does CDC recommend for adults?
CDC recommends all adults receive annual influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccines. Adults aged 50+ need Shingrix for shingles prevention. Adults 65+ or with high-risk conditions need pneumococcal vaccine. Tdap or Td booster is recommended every 10 years. HPV is recommended up to age 26. RSV is recommended for adults 75+ and those 60–74 with risk factors.
How does the vaccine strategy calculator work?
Enter your age, sex, health conditions, and vaccination history. The calculator uses the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule to determine which vaccines are recommended for you. Results show your recommended vaccines, their status (due now vs up-to-date), CDC schedule details, and the reason for each recommendation.
Is the Shingrix vaccine free for seniors?
Shingrix is covered by Medicare Part D for adults aged 50+ and by most private insurance plans under ACA preventive care benefits. Medicaid coverage varies by state. The vaccine retails for approximately $150–200 per dose but is typically free with insurance. Patient assistance programs may help uninsured individuals.
Can pregnant women receive vaccines?
Yes, CDC recommends Tdap during each pregnancy at 27–36 weeks to protect newborns from pertussis. RSV vaccine is recommended at 32–36 weeks during RSV season. Influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended during pregnancy. Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Do healthcare workers need special vaccines?
Yes, CDC recommends that healthcare workers receive Hepatitis B vaccine, MMR (if born after 1957 without immunity), varicella vaccine (if no evidence of immunity), annual flu vaccine, and Tdap. COVID-19 vaccine is also strongly recommended. Some employers may require certain vaccinations as a condition of employment.
How often do I need a tetanus booster?
CDC recommends a Tdap dose at age 11–12, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years. If you've never received Tdap, you should get one dose followed by Td boosters. For wound management, a booster may be given if it's been more than 5 years since your last dose.
What vaccines do children and adolescents need?
CDC's childhood schedule includes Hepatitis B, rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, PCV13, IPV, influenza, MMR, varicella, and Hepatitis A for children under 6. Adolescents aged 11–12 need Tdap, HPV (2 or 3 doses), and MenACWY. A MenB booster is recommended at age 16.
Is this calculator a substitute for medical advice?
No, this tool provides informational CDC-based recommendations only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the right vaccination schedule for your individual health needs, allergies, and medical history.