7 vaccines you should get
As you near the end of the year, and you’re smack in the middle of winter, it’s a good time to think about the vaccines you and your family need. The following vaccines are especially important to consider. The information is based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Zostavax
Shingles, also called herpes zoster or just zoster, is a painful blistering skin rash caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. You can’t catch shingles from another person with shingles. However, a person who has never had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine) could get chickenpox from someone who has shingles if he/she comes in contact with the rash. Anyone 60 years of age or older should get the shingles vaccine.
HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can help prevent cases of cervical cancer in females if given before exposure to the virus. It may be given to boys and girls beginning at age 11 and can be administered up to age 26. Talk to your child’s doctor about your child having the HPV vaccine.
Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord. Adolescents and those who have certain health conditions should be immunized with the meningococcal vaccine. Speak with your health care provider to learn more.
Varicella (chickenpox), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines
These vaccines are needed for adults who did not have these diseases or vaccines when they were children. Talk to your health care provider to determine if you need updates.
Tdap
This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Immunity to whooping cough wears off over time, so one dose of Tdap to replace one TD booster is recommended for those ages 11 and older, especially adults age 65 and older.
In response to a recent spike in the number of pertussis cases, The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that women get a booster dose of Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, regardless of previous Tdap history. If not administered during pregnancy, Tdap should be administered immediately postpartum.
Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone older than 6 months. The best results for children ages 6 months through 8 years are two doses given four weeks apart if receiving the flu vaccine for the first time.
Pneumonia
Infants, very young children and older persons are at highest risk for complications from pneumonia. It is recommended that those with chronic health conditions receive a pneumonia vaccine.