Vaccines May Not Be As Bad As You Think

Vaccines get a bad rap and are the center of attention and controversy time and time again.  We hear the horror stories of vaccinations that media tends to run too far with and many of us just don't take the time to educate ourselves on the facts.

 

This post isn't actually about childhood vaccinations or about the flurry of angst that always crowds out the truth.  This is about the good things that can happen when we vaccinate...ourselves!  As grown women!

If you are one who believes in vaccinating your children, you tend to religiously follow the prescribed spacing of each vaccine but what about you?  Personally, I couldn't tell you the last time I had a shot of anything preventative...well, maybe Tetanus because I have an irrational fear of lock jaw, so let's figure this out together.

Here is a short list of why vaccines may be a good idea for your grown up self...

• As we age, our immune system isn't as agile as it once was.  This means there can be fewer antibodies moving around to fight off the intruders.  Getting boosters every 10 years can be like a...well, a boost to your immune system.  
• Many diseases that were once eliminated are coming back with a vengeance, perhaps you've seen the latest articles circling the web on measles.  That's not fun to suffer through when you are 6, let alone 66.  If your job takes you to mingle in large groups of people such as a teaching, vaccinations should be on your radar.  Maybe, at your next yearly check up, visit with your provider on which vaccines to focus on. 
• If you have a chronic medical condition such as Asthma or Diabetes, a vaccine for pneumonia can be a lifesaver.  Literally. 
• If you are a parent or a caregiver of a person with a compromised immune system, vaccinating yourself could mean you are helping to protect them.  Some people and children with chronic and life threatening conditions can not receive live vaccines which leaves them vulnerable but if those around them remain healthy, they have a fighting chance. 

What are the common vaccines recommended for those in the midlife bracket?  

1. Influenza
2. Tetanus
3. Shingles
4. Pneumonia
5. Meningitis
6. Hepatitis A and B

If you are interested in more information, click HERE to take a brief quiz from the Centers For Disease Control to see what they recommend.  Don't forget, our providers would love to help you navigate the confusing world of vaccines.