Immunizations are important for children, adults ugust is National Immunization wareness onth. Immuni ations also called vaccines are necessary throughout the lifespan. Below is an overview of selected enters for Disease ontrol and revention D recommended immunizations. Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influen a viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. On average, each year, 5% to 20 of the .S. population gets the flu more than 200,000 people are hospitali ed from flu related complications and up to 9,000 people die from flu related causes. lthough the flu season cannot be exactly predicted, it generally starts in October and can continue up until late ay. Hence, flu season is fast approaching. Since the vaccine can take about two weeks to take full effect, getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is advisable. ho should get this vaccine veryone months of age and older. Pneumococcal Vaccination Pneumococcal disease is a severe infection. ost people are only familiar with this infection as pneumonia. However, it also causes infections in the blood stream and brain. Pneumococcal disease leads to death in 1 out of 20 people with pneumonia 1 in people with a blood stream infection and 1 in 3 people with an infection in the brain. ccording to the D , this disease is the most preventable cause of death out of all the infections we can vaccinate against. ho should get this vaccine veryone years of age and older should get two distinct pneumococcal vaccines. Other people who should get the vaccine include those under the age of who smoke or have diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or a weakened immune system. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccination Herpes oster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. fter a person gets chickenpox the virus stays in the body and can eventually reappear in the form of shingles. Shingles causes a painful skin rash, described as “intense burning, lasting anywhere from two to four weeks. ho should get this vaccine The
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vaccine is D approved for people 0 years of age and older. Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination Tdap is a combination vaccine that provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Tetanus is a serious condition that leads to death in 20 of cases due to muscle stiffening which limits breathing. eople
can be infected with tetanus after getting cut or scraped by an object with the bacteria. fter getting infected, it may take one day to several months for a person to show signs of infection. ertussis, also known as whooping cough, causes severe coughing spells that can lead to hospitalizations and sometimes even death. lthough this infection is more of a concern in children, it is important for all adults to receive the vaccine to prevent the spread to infants. Diphtheria is an infection that causes a thick covering over the back of the throat,
making it difficult to breathe. It can also lead to other serious problems, such as heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Who should get this vaccine? ll adults should receive a single dose of Tdap, then a Td booster containing only tetanus and diphtheria) every 10 years. Pregnant women, however, should receive a Tdap dose with every pregnancy. To know if you qualify for any of these vaccines, stop by your local Walgreens pharmacy today. any insurance plans, including edicare, cover vaccines as part of your health benefits.
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August 2016 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 37