Immunization

September 01, 2017

Immunizations are a key form of preventive care. And they're not just for kids—adults also have a series of recommended immunization vaccines to keep them healthy over time. Keep in mind that recommendations may vary from person to person, so talk to your doctor about recommended immunizations.

Common immunizations include: 

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A and B
• Herpes Zoster
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza (flu shot)
• Measles
• Meningococcal
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Pneumococcal
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Quick Facts:

• While vaccines prevent diseases, these diseases can return if people don't get vaccinated—and no one wants to see the return of polio or measles.
• In spite of fear around vaccine safety, vaccines are actually very safe. Any severe reactions to vaccines are closely monitored and investigated. According to the World Health Organization: "You are far more likely to be seriously injured by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine."
• Children can get more than one vaccine at a time without causing severe side-effects or bogging down their immune system. As an added bonus, getting several vaccines taken care of at once can be a real time- and money-saver. Talk with your doctor about the best options for your child.
• There is no evidence to support that vaccines cause autism or autistic disorders. The 1990s study that put this misinformation out into the world was found to be "seriously flawed" and was ultimately retracted. Sadly enough, that wasn't enough to put a lot of people at ease. It remains a myth that scares people away from vaccines that could keep them and their children safe and healthy.
• When it comes to the flu shot, you're better off getting the vaccine every year rather than risking getting the flu. Getting the flu is a big deal, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Whatever discomfort you experience from a flu shot is minimal compared to the nastiness of the flu.
• Vaccines contain a preservative called thiomersal. It has been shown to be safe when used in vaccines because the human body quickly gets rid it. It's an organic compound that naturally contains ethylmercury, which fights the growth of bacteria in vaccines. Thiomersal is the most widely-used vaccine preservative used in vials that contain enough of the vaccine for multiple doses. You can find more information at CDC.gov/vaccinesafety.

Sources: HealthCare.gov, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

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