Immunizations and Vaccines
Creating a Community of Immunity
Vaccines have prevented more than 29 million hospitalizations and 1 million deaths for U.S. children born in the last 25 years.* However, vaccine misinformation remains a threat to public health.
The up-to-date resources and education on this page support your efforts to talk with patients of any age and confidently lead them to the best decisions.
Inside Family Medicine Podcast: Educating Primary Care Clinicians about 2024 Immunization Schedules
Dr. Anne Schneider, a family physician and AAFP Vaccine Science Fellow, discusses the importance of vaccines, provides updates from the June 2024 ACIP meeting, and shares strategies to boost vaccine confidence. The episode emphasizes the role of family physicians in educating patients about vaccines and using credible resources to stay informed.
For Patient Care
Clinical guidance, CME, policies, and coding to keep you informed as you provide care for patients of all ages
"What You Should Know" (PDF)*
A handout you can give patients that explains who is at highest risk for severe flu, COVID-19, and RSV, and why vaccination is important.
"Common Concerns" fact sheet (PDF)*
This fact sheet addresses common concerns about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
"Three Reasons" poster (PDF)
A poster to display in your office to inform patients why they should be vaccinated against COVID-19, flu and RSV.
Talking to Your Patients About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines*
A conversation guide to help you answer your patients’ questions and to feel comfortable explaining why vaccines provide the best protection against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
*Resources available in Spanish by clicking the "Languages" button in the upper right corner of the page, which will allow you to change the site language.
- Measles Vaccine
- U.S. News and World Report: Measles Outbreaks Highlight Just How Vital Vaccinations Are (AAFP President Dr. Furr)
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) Vaccine
- Pertussis Vaccine
- Meningococcal Disease Vaccine
- Fact Sheets: What Family Physicians Need to Know and What Patients Need to Know
- Women's Health Resources
- Academy Greenlights Federal Actions on Maternal RSV Vaccine
Additional Vaccine Resources
- Toolkit: Vaccines 4 Teens: Your team can customize to educate parents/guardians and teen patients.
- Audio: Healthy Immunity is a two-part series with AAFP Vaccine Science fellows. (Download AAFP App)
- Web Page: Seasonal Influenza Prevention
- Influenza Vaccination Fact Sheet
- Clinical Guidance Resources
- Practice Planning for COVID-19 and Influenza Viruses
- Guide to Creating a COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu) Action Plan: Adults 65 Years and Older
- COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu) Medical History Forms: Regular PDF and Fillable PDF
- On-Demand: Improving Vaccine Confidence: An Educational Series
- On-Demand: Increasing Adult Immunization Rates Among African American Communities (Up to 21 Credits)
- On-Demand: Improving COVID-19 Vaccination Rates for Children 6 Months Through 5 Years of Age
- On-Demand: Updates to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Pneumococcal Recommendations
Fact Sheets
- Foster Support for Vaccination in Your Practice | CDC
- How to Approach Conversations With Parents About Routine Pediatric Vaccination
- Building Confidence When Talking to Parents About Children’s Vaccines
- Explaining the Vaccine Safety System
- "Did You Know?" Fact Sheet | Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (English version)
- "Did You Know?" Fact Sheet | CVEEP (Spanish version)
Other Resources
- Prepare for Vaccine Questions Parents May Ask | CDC
- Counseling Guide: Anticipatory Guidance to Recommend Routine Vaccination for Adults
- Email Template: Messages to Use in Vaccine Communications
- Patient Education Infographic: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know About Vaccines for Kids
- Keeping Up to Date on Recommended Childhood Vaccinations | CDC
- Glossary: The Science of Vaccines | CVEEP
- Glossary: The Science of Vaccines (Spanish version) | CVEEP
Patient Vaccine Education - in 50 Seconds
This short video explains that vaccines are extremely safe and important at all stages. Patients can read more in the Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact article.
Familydoctor.org by the AAFP offers patient-friendly health advice from trusted family physicians. Health articles can support your patient conversations and help them feel more informed, and at ease, about any physical or mental health issue they’re experiencing. All articles are based on the latest medical evidence.
*https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/about/index.html