Now that you are a grown up, you may think that tiny tots are the only ones that have to go to the doctor’s office and get regular vaccinations. Think again. Although kids need to get quite a few shots, people of all ages need to keep up on immunizations to protect themselves from threats to their health.
Today, Aug. 1, marks the beginning of National Immunization Awareness Month, during which health clinics and public health workers will be urging everyone in the nation to make sure their shots are up to date.
With students heading back to school soon, now is the perfect time to be thinking about vaccinations. While most parents are aware that infants and children need immunizations, don’t forget that college students need them as well, and some schools may prevent them from heading to class unless they are up to date.
Flu season is just around the corner, and pneumonia is a threat as well, so make sure you and your older family members are vaccinated. While you are meeting with your doctor, ask about other shots you may need, such as shingles vaccine for older adults. Gardeners may also want to make sure their tetanus shots are up to date, as it naturally occurs in soil, and is not just on rusty nails.
Not sure which vaccines you and your family need? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a great schedule that will tell you exactly what to get when, no matter what stage of life you are in.
Remember: By not getting vaccinated, you not only risk making yourself sick, but also your colleagues, friends and family. So plan on taking some time to update your vaccinations soon.
2 comments:
that's interesting about tetanus and gardening. i will have to ask my doc 'bout that one. kind freaky
Pregnant women are also at risk and should be vaccinated against the flu this season. Most of them (86%) don't even know it, however, even though the shots can be beneficial to their unborn babies. Do you think it's important for pregnant mothers to be vaccinated against the flu?
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