As the first line of defense in patient care, primary care providers play a critical role in promoting immunization and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Offering a comprehensive selection of vaccines isn’t just a public health responsibility—it’s also a smart way to improve patient outcomes, increase in-office visits, and enhance your practice’s overall value.

At US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG), we help physicians, practice managers, and pharmacies reduce vaccine costs and streamline access through our manufacturer partnerships and group discounts. Below, we outline the essential vaccines every primary care office should offer—along with why each one matters.

 

1. Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)

• Who it’s for: Patients 6 months and older
• When to offer: Annually, especially before flu season (fall to early winter)
• Why it matters: The flu vaccine is one of the most important seasonal vaccines. It reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, particularly in children, older adults, and immunocompromised patients.

2. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• Who it’s for: Adolescents (11–12 years), adults every 10 years, and pregnant women (each pregnancy)
• When to offer: Routine adult visits and prenatal appointments
• Why it matters: Tdap protects against three potentially life-threatening diseases. Pertussis (whooping cough) is especially dangerous for infants, making maternal vaccination critical.

3. COVID-19 Vaccine

• Who it’s for: All patients ages 6 months and older, with booster doses as recommended by the CDC
• When to offer: Year-round, especially during respiratory virus season
• Why it matters: COVID-19 remains a serious health threat. Staying current with vaccinations helps prevent severe illness and reduces transmission, particularly in vulnerable populations.

4. Pneumococcal Vaccines

• Who it’s for: Adults 65+, and younger adults with certain medical conditions
• When to offer: During annual wellness visits or chronic care management
• Why it matters: Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Offering both Prevnar 20 (PCV20) and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) based on patient eligibility ensures broader protection.

5. Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

• Who it’s for: Adults age 50 and older
• When to offer: Year-round, typically during annual physicals
• Why it matters: Shingles can lead to chronic pain and complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is over 90% effective in preventing shingles and is now preferred over older vaccines.

6. Hepatitis A and B Vaccines

• Who it’s for: Infants, unvaccinated adults, healthcare workers, and people with liver disease
• When to offer: As part of routine childhood immunizations and catch-up for at-risk adults
• Why it matters: Hepatitis A and B can cause serious liver damage. Primary care offices are ideal locations for vaccinating at-risk groups and counseling patients on prevention.

7. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Who it’s for: Children and unvaccinated adults
• When to offer: Pediatric visits, college entry, pre-employment screenings
• Why it matters: These highly contagious diseases are preventable through routine immunization. With recent measles outbreaks in some regions, ensuring immunity is crucial.

8. Meningococcal Vaccines (MenACWY, MenB)

• Who it’s for: Adolescents, college students, and people with certain medical conditions
• When to offer: Pre-college exams or at-risk evaluations
• Why it matters: Meningitis progresses rapidly and can be fatal. These vaccines protect against multiple strains and are often required for school and dormitory living.

 

Help Your Practice Stay Prepared with USPPG

By offering these vaccines, your primary care office becomes a more comprehensive, preventive-focused healthcare provider. At US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG), we support your practice with discounted vaccine pricing, streamlined ordering, and dedicated customer service—so you can focus on patient care, not procurement.

Interested in reducing your vaccine costs?
Contact USPPG today to learn how we can help your practice save on top-tier immunizations.