Why Vaccinations are Important for Adults Too

ColdsandFluCoverBe honest: When is the last time you had a vaccination? If the answer is more than 10 years ago, you could be missing out on valuable protection, especially if you or a loved one are entering your senior years.

For example, we have all heard of the annual flu shot-but how many of us get it? If you and your doctor haven’t discussed vaccinations recently, it’s time to have a talk.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases estimates that most people not up to date on their vaccinations, leaving them prey to a range of potentially serious, even fatal illnesses. For example, the majority of tetanus sufferers, (also known as lockjaw because of its main symptom) are people over the age of 65. Tetanus has about a 50% mortality rate.

Recent recommendations about the Tdap vaccination, which covers tetanus, diphtheria and acute pertussis (whooping cough) suggest that adults should have one every ten years. Seniors, those with compromised immune systems, and anyone working in health care, should also get one.

Influenza may seem like no big deal, but it is a killer, especially if it leads to complications like pneumonia, also deadly. This is a common complication amongst seniors and anyone with a weakened immune system. Both illnesses can be vaccinated against. Flu kills 3 to 5 million people EVERY YEAR, far more than the total of Ebola victims in the 17 outbreaks that have ever occurred since the 1970. the pandemic of 1918 killed more people than all 4 yeas of the bubonic plague (Black Death) in the 1340s.

Shingles can also be very dangerous for seniors; it is related to the chicken pox virus. It is a painful, even debilitating disease that can attack one or more nerves in any part of the body. It is estimated that over 50% of shingles infections leave lasting nerve damage and pain. If you are a senior, health worker, or caregiver to others in your family, especially full time, be sure to protect them, but yourself too. After all, what would happen to them if you got sick? If you spend time around small children, learn more about how this vaccine can help you.

For young people, there has been a great deal in the news about the HPV vaccination. The Human papilloma virus is has been linked with about 70% of cases of cervical cancer and other cancers in both men and women. The virus is spread mainly through sexual contact, so teenaged girls and even boys should consider getting the shot before they become sexually active.They should of course practice safe sex and responsible birth control when they do decide that they are mature enough to engage in a sexual relationship.

Another vaccination young people in particular might wish to get is the meningitis vaccination. Meningitis often mimics a cold or the flu but can be deadly, especially since its symptoms can come on so suddenly and progress so rapidly. Teens and college students seem to be very susceptible because of their habits of sharing food and drink, dating behaviors such as kissing, and so on.

The CDC has a detailed list of recommendations for adult vaccinations and how often you should update your protection. You can find the recommendations in an easy to read format, and in Spanish=http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html

You can find age specific recommendations for children here=http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/ Vaccinations can be a first line of defense for older people against potentially deadly diseases like tetanus, flu and pneumonia, and most vaccinations are covered by insurance and medicare and might require only a small copay. If you have not seen your doctor recently, make an appointment and be sure to discuss your vaccinations with them.

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Why Vaccinations are Important for Adults Too
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Why Vaccinations are Important for Adults Too
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Learn more about why vaccinations are important, and what vaccinations adults need.
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