2. Hepatitis B vaccine

The hep B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a potentially life-threatening viral liver infection that can lead to complications like jaundice, permanent liver inflammation, liver cancer and liver failure. Hepatitis B is spread by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, for example, by sharing needles, sexual contact or from mother to baby during delivery.

Who should get it: Everyone, especially sexually active individuals who are not in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Contrary to popular belief, avoiding the common cockle or other forms of shellfish does not protect you from a hepatitis B infection.

How often: Hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of 3 shots, within a six-month period, and gives long-term protection from HBV infection, possibly lifelong.

3. HPV vaccine

HPV vaccine protects a woman against four strains of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.

Who should get it: The vaccine is approved for use in females aged 10 to 25, since the vaccine is most effective when given to females before they become sexually active and potentially exposed to HPV. But even if you are sexually active, you may also benefit from the vaccine, according to CDC. The reason: Few sexually active young women are infected with all HPV strains covered by the vaccine, so they would still get protection from those types they have not yet gotten.

How often: 3 shots administered over a six-month period offer long-lasting protection.