Vaccinations & Immunizations
Staying up to date on the right vaccines is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health and your family's. Our team makes it easy, comfortable, and clear.
Vaccinations & Immunizations: What We Offer and Why They Matter
Vaccines aren't just for kids. Throughout a woman's life, from adolescence through pregnancy and beyond, staying current on key immunizations plays a critical role in protecting your health and the health of those around you. At Women's HealthFirst, our board-certified providers offer gynecologic and pregnancy-related vaccinations as part of your comprehensive care, so you never have to chase down a separate appointment.
We offer the following vaccinations and immunizations in our offices:
- HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)
- Flu Vaccine (Influenza)
- Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- RSV Vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
In addition to the vaccines above, your Women's HealthFirst provider may also recommend other immunizations as part of your prenatal care or routine gynecologic visit, including:
- Hepatitis B vaccine — if not previously vaccinated or immune
- COVID-19 vaccine and updated boosters — recommended during pregnancy
- Pneumococcal vaccine — for women with certain health conditions
- Meningococcal vaccine — based on age, lifestyle, and risk factors
- HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)
Unsure if you need a vaccine? Here are some factors that may lead your provider to recommend one for you:
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are due for your annual well-woman visit and haven't reviewed your vaccine history recently
- You are an adolescent or adult who has never received the HPV vaccine or didn't complete the series
- You will be a caregiver or close contact of a newborn and want to protect them before they can be vaccinated
- Your provider has flagged gaps in your immunization record during a previous visit
Your provider will review your current immunization history and health status to confirm which vaccines are recommended for you at this time. If you have a record of previous vaccinations — from a prior provider, pharmacy, or school — bringing that documentation can be helpful, though it's not required.
If you're pregnant, your provider will confirm gestational age to ensure vaccine timing is appropriate. You don't need to fast or prepare in any special way before receiving most vaccines.
Most vaccines are administered as a simple injection, typically in the upper arm, and take only a moment. Your provider or clinical staff will walk you through exactly what you're receiving, why it's recommended, and what to expect afterward.
If you're receiving multiple vaccines in one visit, our team will make sure the experience is as comfortable as possible. You may be asked to remain in the office for a brief observation period, typically 15 minutes, following vaccination, which is standard practice.
Most women experience no side effects, or only mild, short-lived ones — slight soreness at the injection site, mild fatigue, or a low-grade fever. These are normal signs that your immune system is responding and typically resolve within a day or two.
If you have any concerns following vaccination, our team is here. Call us at (847) 808-8884 or reach out through the patient portal. Serious reactions are rare, but if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or rapid heartbeat after leaving the office, seek emergency care immediately.
Your Vaccination Visit: What to Expect
Insurance Coverage for Vaccinations
Most preventive vaccines, including HPV, flu, and pregnancy-recommended immunizations like Tdap and RSV, are covered at no cost under the majority of health insurance plans when received in a clinical setting like ours. Coverage can vary based on your specific plan, age, and whether the vaccine is considered medically indicated for your situation. Our team can help you verify your benefits ahead of your appointment, explain any potential out-of-pocket costs, and ensure there are no surprises when you arrive. We accept Aetna, Blue Shield PPO, Cigna HMO, Cofinity PPO, and most major insurance plans.
Patient Resources
From accessing your patient portal and downloading pre-visit forms to reviewing your insurance details and exploring our patient education library, we make it easy to stay informed, prepared, and confident in your care every step of the way.
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Office Locations
Palatine, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Hoffman Estates, IL
Bartlett, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Many of our patients receive vaccines during their well-woman visit or prenatal appointment; no extra trip required. If you'd prefer a dedicated vaccine visit, we're happy to schedule that too. Just let us know when you call or book online.
Yes. The HPV vaccine is approved and recommended for adults up to age 45, even if you've been sexually active. The vaccine protects against strains you may not have been exposed to yet. Your provider can review your history and advise whether vaccination makes sense for you.
Yes — and for several vaccines, pregnancy is actually the ideal time to get them. The flu vaccine, Tdap, and RSV vaccine are all specifically recommended during pregnancy because they protect both you and your baby. Your provider will confirm the right timing based on how far along you are.
The flu shot is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Tdap is typically given between 27–36 weeks, and RSV vaccine between 32–36 weeks. Your provider will always review your specific situation before making a recommendation.
Most preventive vaccines are covered at no cost under the majority of health insurance plans when received in a clinical setting. Coverage can vary based on your plan and the specific vaccine. Our team can help you verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
That's more common than you might think. Our providers can review what's available in your medical records and help you determine which vaccines may be appropriate based on your age, health status, and life stage — even without a complete history.
The best way is to discuss it with your provider at your next visit. We'll review your current immunization record, consider your age, health history, and any pregnancy-related factors, and give you a personalized recommendation. You can also request an appointment specifically to review your vaccine status.
