PREVENT
Posted July 20, 2020
Immunizations aren't just for kids. Adults also need immunizations to prevent serious, life-threatening diseases. Your specific needs may vary, but there are immunization guidelines for average, healthy adults. Find your age group below and see if you're protected. During COVID-19, you can feel safe and make an appointment for your yearly physical.
Your health care provider may recommend additional vaccines if you have certain risk factors due to your age, health, lifestyle, job or if you've missed vaccinations in the past. These may include vaccines to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); chickenpox; or hepatitis A or B. Talk with your provider at your next physical to decide what's right for you.
The seasonal flu shot helps boost your immunity to the strains of flu that experts believe will be most prevalent in the coming flu season. On average, a seasonal flu shot reduces your risk of getting the flu by about 50 percent. To prevent seasonal flu, the best time to get a flu shot is in October. However, since flu season typically can run through early spring, you can still get the benefits getting a flu shot later than October.
Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk for complications related to the flu. In addition, infants are at the highest risk of severe illness from whooping cough. Influenza and whooping cough vaccines are safe and important for pregnant women and their infants. Newborns are too young to receive immunizations directly, so vaccination during pregnancy is critical to protect infants until they're old enough to receive their own immunizations.
Finally, if you are traveling outside the United States you many need additional vaccines. Ask your health care provider about which vaccines you may need at least six weeks prior to your travel.
Remember, you never outgrow the need for immunizations!
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