Ensure Immunizations are Current
No one likes getting shots, but when the alternative is a nasty illness, a little stick in the arm seems like a pretty good deal. The challenge is remembering which immunizations you need and when you need them.
The following information should help you stay on track.
- Flu/Influenza: Everyone, especially pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and people over 65 should get this vaccine every year, because it wears off and because the flu changes every year.
- Shingles: Anyone over age 50 should get this shot, even if they’ve already had chickenpox and/or shingles.
- Chickenpox: Anyone who hasn’t gotten the vaccine should get this shot.
- Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, pertussis): Everyone should get this vaccine as a child, but if you didn’t, you can catch up. Also, adults should get a booster every 10 years, and women should get a shot during every pregnancy.
- Hepatitis A and B: Everyone should get this shot as a child, but if you didn’t, you can catch up.
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): Everyone born in or after 1957 who has not already got the vaccine or had measles should get this vaccine. Because measles is on the rise, it’s especially important for students, teachers, healthcare workers, and people traveling outside the U.S.
- HPV (human papillomavirus): Men and women in their teens and early 20s who did not receive this shot when they were younger should get this vaccine.
- Pneumococcal: Anyone over age 65 should get this vaccine. There are two types of pnemococcal vaccines. Your doctor can decide which you need and when you need it.
- Meningococcal: People with certain health risks or conditions should receive this vaccine. Talk to your doctor.
Tags: disease, health, immune, immunizations, shots