Routine vaccines across the life span, 2003.

This review of the recommendations for routine vaccines includes those used on the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule and the Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule. The rationale is provided for recent changes, such as encouraging influenza vaccination of healthy children aged 6 through 23 months and recommending that annual influenza vaccination begin at age 50. The risks and benefits of vaccination are discussed, including disease burden, rationale for vaccination, efficacy, adverse reactions, and recommendations. Pictures of vaccine-preventable diseases are included.