Immunizations are one of the most important ways we have to stay healthy. These shots allow our bodies to develop an immunity to a lot of different dangerous diseases.
Infants and Children
It is most important that infant and children are protected. The immunizations they should receive include the following:
- DPT protects against diptheria, pertussis and tetanus.
- IPV protects against polio.
- MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
- Hib protects against H.influenza type B.
- HepB protects against hepatitis B.
- Varicella protects against chicken pox.
- Influenza vaccine protects against the flu.
Check with your child's doctor for more information about when these shots should be given. Be sure to keep your child's immunization card up-to-date.
Teenagers and Young Adults
As children get older, it is important to make sure that, in certain situations, they are vaccinated against other illnesses. These include:
- Meningitis, caused by Meningococcemia.
- Cervical cancer, caused by Human Papilloma Virus.
- Tetanus. You should get a shot every 5 to 10 years.
- Flu, caused by Influenza Virus.
Check with your child's doctor for more information regarding when these vaccines should be give.
Adults and Seniors
Immunizations for adults and seniors prevent serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and death. These illnesses include:
- Tetanus. You should get a shot every 5 to 10 years.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia, caused by Pneumococcus bacteria. Seniors should get a shot every 5 years.
- Flu, caused by Influenza Virus.
Your doctor will know what you need. Check with him or her. Be sure to keep records of your immunizations.
Things to know:
For more information, check the following websites:
Vaccine Information Sheets, which include side effects, are provided by the CDC and are available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS.
Accurate immunization records are important. Be sure to keep yours up-to-date.
For a Fidelis Care Newsletter article on this topic, click this link: