Vaccination Protection

Thursday, 23 October 2008 17:27 Attention: open in a new window.

Far too many Americans go unprotected against potentially deadly diseases that can be prevented by vaccinations. Many adults are also unaware that they may need booster shots after childhood vaccines wear off, especially for diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
At your next office visit, ask your doctor about vaccines recommended for your age and health history, or call and ask if you can come in to get recommended vaccinations from the nurse.
What vaccinations should you receive?
1. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) (every 10 years)
2. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (adults born during or after 1957)
3. Varicella (chicken pox), for adults without immunity – ask your doctor
4. Shingles (age 60+)
5. Phneumococcal (one time at age 65+ or if you have a chronic medical condition – ask your doctor)
6. Influenza (every year)
7. HPV (females of age less than or equal to 26, preferably before they become sexually active, for protection against cervical cancer)
8. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and meningococcal (patients at high risk – ask your doctor)
Don’t count on your doctor to remember to recommend vaccinations. Taking the initiative is the best guarantee of getting the protection you need.

William J. Mayer, MD, MPH
Medical Editor, Hope Health

November Events at Crittenton: Red Cross Blood Drive - Monday, November 24, 2008. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.or www.GIVELIFE.org.

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Melissa said:

I asked my doctor about HPV and when I should give it to my daughter since she is turning 5. She said HPV is for girls who are sexully acitive. Then I was still confused and I asked her, "is't it for cervical cancer?' She explained girls can have these diseases from and only from having sex. If they do not have sex, they will not get that type of cancer. So that is something to thing about before getting your daughter vaccinated with HPV.

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November 09, 2008
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Anon said:

	Thank so much for the vaccination info! I am 9 months pregnant and looking to learn as much as possible before I have to make all those decisions on which vaccines to give my little newborn. Crittenton is a great source, and I really appreciate the suggestion for adults to maintain a vaccination schedule as well!
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