Vaccine
How it can help you
When to get the vaccine
Risk and side effects
Pneumococcal vaccine
Also called Pneumovax®
- Protects against pneumonia (an infection that causes fluid to build up in the lungs), meningitis (swelling or infection of the brain and spinal cord) and blood infections.
- First dose: Between ages 18-20 (or as soon as possible if you are older than 20)
- Second dose: 5 years after the first dose
- Third dose: Age 50
- Fourth dose: Age 65
- Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine
- Fever
- Headache or muscle aches
- Feeling very tired
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Also called Gardasil®
- Protects against human papillomavirus (HPV)
- It is routinely given at age 11. It can be given as early as age 9 and up to 26 years of age.
- Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine
- Fever
- Headache or muscle aches
- Feeling very tired
Influenza (flu) vaccine
- Protects you from the flu, a common disease that causes cold-like symptoms, fever, vomiting ot diarrhea.
- People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing infections. It is important that you or your son/daughter get the flu vaccine.
- Once a year during flu season (fall and winter)
- The flu virus (germ) changes every year. Doctors make new flu vaccines every year to protect people from the new flu virus.
- Pain, swelling or redness where you had the vaccine.
- Fever
- Headache or muscle aches
- Feeling very tired
- Cold-like symptoms