This August, Blue Hills is proud to promote National Immunization Awareness Month (or NIAM). This campaign was established to help promote the education and importance of vaccinations and to make sure all ages are up to date on their vaccinations. Each week of the month focuses on a different age group: school-age children, pregnant women, babies and young children, preteens and teens, and adults.
This week's main topic is about immunizations for adults. All adults should get recommended vaccines to protect their health and the health of others. When more people are vaccinated, it helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those who are most vulnerable to serious complications (such as infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems).
All adults are recommended to get the following vaccines:
A yearly influenza (flu) vaccine
A Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) every 10 years
Adults older than 50: shingles vaccine
Adults older than 65: pneumococcal vaccines
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV depending on age, occupation, travel, and medical conditions
Quick Key Facts:
Vaccines are an important step in protecting adults against several serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as influenza (flu), shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis, and whooping cough.
Every year, thousands of adults in the U.S. become needlessly ill from infectious diseases.
Most adults have probably not received all the vaccines they need. Use this guide sheet to learn more about what vaccines you need.
Vaccines are safe.
Take this quiz to see if you are up to date on your vaccinations!
If you have questions or are behind on your vaccinations, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Our staff and doctors are happy and ready to help!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults/downloads/fs-vaccines-need.pdf