- Family Medicine
- January 3, 2024
Immunizations Protect You Against Preventable Disease
Bluestem Health administers thousands of immunizations and seasonal vaccines each year. Immunizations help your body’s immune system fight off diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox and are scheduled based on your age.
9 min read

Bluestem Health offers comprehensive immunizations for patients at all stages of life. From seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines to scheduled immunizations, the knowledgeable providers at Bluestem Health stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Just a month ago, for example, the CDC adjusted the immunization for meningococcal disease, recommending a newly licensed meningococcal A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine. Following the latest immunization schedules and vaccine updates help protect you and the community of Lincoln, Nebraska against preventable disease.
Pediatricians Provide Essential Immunizations
Bluestem Health pediatricians understand the importance of creating a care plan based on your child’s age and development. Many essential vaccines are scheduled for infants and newborns to optimize their immune response to diseases. Just a few of these routine, early-life immunizations include:
- Chickenpox
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Pneumococcal disease (PCV)
- Polio (IPV)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- Rotavirus (RV)
Bluestem Health pediatricians are licensed to care for children up to age 18. As such, our expert pediatricians also monitor and administer immunizations for preteens and adolescents. At ages 11 to 12 years, for instance, the CDC’s immunization schedule calls for the meningococcal vaccine and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Read here to learn the latest CDC immunization recommendations for 2024.
Immunizations For 18 and Older
Adult vaccinations often don’t receive the same attention as their childhood counterparts, but they are just as important. When you visit a Bluestem Health provider, we’ll make certain you’re aware of the latest guidelines and if there are any vaccines you should consider. It’s important to note that vaccines can wear off over time, increasing your risk of preventable diseases. Bluestem Health’s providers keep abreast of the latest immunization research and advancements in the field, and you can find a full list of the CDC’s recommendations here.
For adults, a few up-to-date immunization recommendations include:
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal (update recommended for ages 65+)
- Zoster (also known as shingles and update recommended for ages 50+)
- RVS (recommended for ages 60+)
What’s Happening With COVID-19
As COVID-19 evolves, so does the CDC’s approach to vaccination. The 2023-2024 formula is part of the new vaccine schedule for ages six months to four years, five to 11 years, and 12 years or older. The CDC offers detailed guidance for both Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, and your Bluestem Health provider can help you select which one might be best for you. The COVID-19 vaccination schedule is also customized for those who are immunocompromised, guidance that might also call for input from your provider.
Bluestem Health encourages anyone with a question, concern, or skepticism regarding COVID-19 vaccinations to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider for accurate information and advice. Our providers are happy to answer your questions and direct you to valid sources of information.
Visit Us
Routine Immunizations and seasonal vaccinations help Lincoln’s community stay healthy, and during the winter virus season, it’s increasingly important to stay current on your vaccinations. Bluestem Health is here to help you and your family be proactive with immunizations. Connect with us at (402) 476-1455.
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