Do You Have All Your Shots?
The first vaccination breakthrough for smallpox was developed in 1796. Fast-forward to 2013. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends vaccination against 16 preventable diseases for children, while many more are available for adults and world travelers. Ongoing worldwide research is investigating vaccines for diseases such as HIV, malaria, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, and infectious disease “superbugs,” to name a few.
When I think of vaccinations and immunizations, I am reminded of the tiny little books my pediatrician gave me to keep track of my children’s records. As adults, we forget what we need to keep ourselves safe and healthy. You’re never too old to get immunized! Vaccinations help prevent diseases once common in this country, including mumps, measles, and whooping cough. As adults, we may need a booster of the vaccine we received years ago to remain immunized. Are you up-to-date?
Do you know the last time you received the Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) (Tdap, Td) vaccine? According to the Centers for Disease Control, all adults and women must get the Tdap vaccine. Women also need to get a dose after each pregnancy. After that, you need a Td booster dose every ten years.
Which other vaccinations should you get? That depends on your age and general health. Even lifestyle or profession can affect which vaccinations you need.
Vaccines protect you and prevent the spread of illness to other people, such as children too young to get vaccinated or adults with weakened immune systems.
Need More Reasons?
- If you’re traveling abroad
- If you plan additional education and training, you will require proof of routine vaccinations.
- If you work in the healthcare profession,- healthcare workers are sometimes exposed to people who are ill.
- If you have asthma, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system – certain adult vaccinations recently developed – are recommended if you have special health conditions that put you at risk for severe illness that may be prevented through vaccinations.
Stay on schedule, and get your shots!