Immunization
Shots aren’t just for kids
When you’re not well, you know you can call on us to help you get better. But what we really love is helping people stay well. And a big part of that is making sure you have the right shots.
Some of us assume that the vaccines we received as kids cover us for the rest of our lives. That can be true for some vaccinations, but you should also know:
- Some adults were never vaccinated as children
- Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
- Immunity can fade over time requiring boosters or subsequent dosing
- As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (such as flu and pneumococcus)
The best place to start is with your doctor. We make it really convenient to see a doctor who can sit with you and recommend the vaccinations you might need, based on your profile and your history. It’s all about making sure you’re covered.
Calling the right shots
What are some things you might need to be covered for as an adult?
- Influenza (Flu)-winter is flu season and you need this vaccine EACH year to stay protected
- Hepatitis A and B. Grab life long protection with this 3-4 shot series
- Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (Tdap). Whooping cough (pertussis) can rear its head. This shot should be boostered every 10 years.
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
- Meningococcal (Meningitis)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Here are some links to information about recommended shots from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’d love to discuss these more when you come and visit us.
The anti-vax myth
A respected medical journal, The Lancet, published a study by Andrew Wakefield that claimed links between the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism as well as inflammatory bowel disease. A large number of celebrities joined the anti-vax movement, and it all led to a decline of MMR vaccination in both the US and UK, which corresponded to a rise in measles and mumps.
And it was all a myth.
Researchers were unable to duplicate Wakefield’s results and It turned out that he had undisclosed financial conflicts of interest and falsely manipulated data. Following charges, Wakefield was barred from practicing medicine in the UK and The Lancet fully retracted the original article showing links between MMR and autism.
It all goes to show that we should never take for granted something so simple yet so important to our health. And we’re here to give you the facts on vax.