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How to talk with your healthcare provider(s) about vaccines
Prepare for a vaccine conversation with your healthcare provider. Learn what questions to ask and how to make informed health decisions.

Dr. David Weber · August 13, 2025
6 min read
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Key takeaways
Feel more confident and prepared when discussing vaccines with your healthcare provider by knowing what to expect.
- Your healthcare provider is there to be a resource and help you make an informed decision
- Organize your questions and medical history before your appointment
- Understand what to expect during the conversation
- Come prepared to ask your provider about which vaccines you should receive based on your age and medical illnesses, vaccine safety, and timing
- Get tips for tracking vaccine records and planning future doses
Introduction
Whether you're getting vaccinated for the first time, catching up on missed doses, or making decisions for yourself or your children, talking with your healthcare provider about vaccines can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might have questions, concerns, or just want to make sure you're doing the right thing.
The good news? Your healthcare provider is there to support—not pressure—you. They welcome your questions and want to help you make the best decision for your health and that of your family. Going into the appointment prepared can make sure you get the information and answers you’re looking for.
Before the appointment
Preparation can help make your conversation with your healthcare provider more productive.
Write down your questions
Start by writing down what you want to know. This helps you stay focused during the appointment, and ensures you don’t forget anything important. Start your list with your top concerns so you can cover the most important topics first.
Need help getting started? View the following list of common questions to ask your healthcare provider
Know your medical and vaccine history
Bring a record of your (or your loved one’s) past vaccinations, any previous reactions, and be prepared to talk through any medications you’re taking and your health conditions. This helps your healthcare provider make recommendations for you. If you're unsure about your vaccination history, your doctor or pharmacy may be able to help you track it down.
Do a little research
Having a basic understanding of the vaccines recommended for your age can help you feel more confident.
Avoid relying on social media or unverified websites for vaccine information. Instead, stick to sites that use the most current, top-quality evidence like the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
You can also learn more about how vaccines and how they work here.
What information should you share with your doctor when discussing vaccines?
Age, underlying health conditions, and vaccination, medication, and reaction history
Correct
Age, underlying health conditions, and vaccination, medication, and reaction history
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Correct answer: Age, underlying health conditions, and vaccination, medication, and reaction history
During the appointment
Your healthcare provider is there to help you make informed decisions. Don’t hesitate to speak up and make it a two-way conversation.
Share your questions and concerns
Start by letting your provider know you have some questions about vaccines. If you brought one, take out your list to refer to jog your memory. This sets the tone for a two-way conversation. Healthcare professionals are used to answering questions and will appreciate your preparation and curiosity.
If you’re feeling hesitant or unsure, that’s okay. Share your concerns openly. Your provider can help separate myths from facts and guide you using top-quality evidence.
Discuss your health history
Be open about any past vaccination reactions, allergies, or chronic (long term) medical conditions. This helps your healthcare provider provide recommendations designed specifically for you and avoid potential complications.
Plan a vaccine schedule together
Your healthcare provider can walk you through:
- Recommended vaccine schedules (like those from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention)
- Catch-up schedules if you’ve missed any vaccinations
- Personalized plans based on travel outside the United States, attending school, or health needs, and the pros and cons of spacing out vaccines
Ask about cost and payment options
It’s common to have questions about how much a vaccine will cost and what financial help is available. Many insurance plans cover the full cost of routine vaccines, but it’s still a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether you’ll have any out-of-pocket costs.
If you don’t have insurance—or if your plan doesn’t fully cover the vaccine—ask your provider about options. There are programs and resources that can help. For example, federally funded health centers often provide vaccines as part of their preventive care services and may offer sliding fee scales based on your income. Your state or local health department can also connect you with free or low-cost vaccine providers in your area, including community centers, schools, and religious organizations.
Make informed decisions
In the United States, you’ll receive a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) before vaccination for all routine vaccines. This paper explains the benefits and risks, and is a great tool to review and discuss with your provider.
Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each vaccine. It’s okay to ask for time to think things over.
Preparation can help make your conversation with your doctor more productive.
Questions to consider asking your healthcare provider
Here are some examples of helpful questions you might want to ask:
Vaccine necessity and timing
- Which vaccines are recommended for me (or my loved one) at this time?
- Can you explain why each vaccine is important?
- Are there any vaccines that are optional or can be delayed in my situation?
- How often do I need to receive certain vaccines?
- Can we set up a vaccination schedule together, and what should it include?
Safety and efficacy
- What are the common side effects?
- What serious reactions should I watch for?
- How effective is this vaccine in preventing serious illness (i.e., hospitalization and death) if I become ill?
- Has this vaccine been studied long enough to know long-term effects?
- How likely is it for side effects to impact my daily activities?
- If I become ill after vaccination, can I transmit an infection to those around me?
Medical considerations
- What vaccinations do I need because of my medical history?
- Are there any vaccines I should avoid due to my (or my loved one’s) medical health?
- Will any of my current medications affect the vaccines' effectiveness?
- Can I take over the counter medicines if I develop side effects?
Cost and payment
- Will my insurance cover the cost of this vaccine?
- Are there any out-of-pocket costs I should expect?
- What options are available if I don’t have insurance or if my insurance doesn’t cover this vaccine (e.g., discounts, assistance programs, local community options)?
Administration
- Can multiple vaccines be administered in one visit, or should they be spaced out?
- What can be done to reduce discomfort after vaccination?
- How should I prepare before and after vaccination?
- Is there anything specific I should do before and after vaccination to help with possible side effects?
After the appointment
If you get vaccinated
- Keep a record of all vaccinations received. This may be helpful for travel outside the United States or future medical care. There are apps and digital systems that can help keep a record of vaccinations, so ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
- Watch for side effects. Most are mild and go away quickly on their own, but if you notice anything unusual, such as a high fever or allergic reaction, contact your healthcare provider. For serious but rare side effects such as shortness of breath, a serious allergic reaction, confusion, or other serious problems, call 911. You can find more details in our Vaccine Side Effects article.
- Plan ahead for any follow-up doses or future vaccines. Set reminders or use a vaccine tracking app to help make vaccine tracking easier.
Recap: empowered conversations lead to informed decisions
Talking with your doctor about vaccines doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, you can have a productive, respectful conversation that helps you make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Remember: your healthcare provider is your partner in health, and asking questions is a smart, empowered step toward staying protected.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. David Weber, a compensated expert engaged by Pfizer to ensure the information provided is medically accurate and current. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
How to Pay for Vaccines. CDC Vaccine Information for Adults. July 10, 2024. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/how-to-pay-adult-vaccines.html
Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP). How to pay. Immunization. April 29, 2021. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/get-vaccinated/pay/index.html
Vaccine Side Effects. The United States Department of Health and Human Services. May 6, 2022. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html