Here are five vaccinations that you should have in order to stay healthy this winter season.
- Flu Vaccine. The flu vaccine can be given to anyone over 6 months old. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year because different strains of influenza infect humans each season.
- Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine. Adults over the age of 65 can receive the shingles vaccine, which is a one-time vaccination, to prevent this painful rash that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV13) and (PPSV23). To prevent the spread of the disease, the PCV13 vaccine is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old, all adults 65 years or older, and people 6 years or older with certain risk factors. PPSV23 is recommended for all adults 65 years or older, and individuals ages 2 to 64 who are at high risk.
- Tetanus Vaccine (Td). Tetanus disease causes a painful locking of the muscles all over the body, and in some cases, tetanus can be fatal. Typically, the first vaccination is given after 2 months of age, and then ‘booster’ vaccinations are given every 10 years.
- Pertussis Vaccine (DTap and Tdap). Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that initially resembles an ordinary cold, but then may eventually turn more serious. The pertussis vaccination (DTaP) is initially given during adolescence, any time after 2 months of age. In order to benefit from continued immunity, adults should receive whooping cough booster vaccinations (Tdap) once between the ages of 19 and 64 and then again after age 65.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
