By Trish Pearson
Insuring Your Future
Trish Pearson
There are eight vaccines everyone should receive. Some are one time only, others are on a periodic basis and some are needed annually. The following is a summary of what, when and how often we should be vaccinated.
Influenza: Everyone over the age of 6 months should have a flu shot each year, ideally in September or October. It reduces the likelihood of getting flu. If you do get flu, you’re less likely to get seriously ill. People age 65 or older have a greater chance of catching the flu and developing complications. So they should get a high-dose version. It has four times as much antigen as the regular shot.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough: Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. It can cause breathing trouble and heart failure. People usually get their first dose of Tdap at age 11 or 12. After age 19, you should have one dose of Tdap, then a Tdap or Td shot every 10 years. Also, women should get a Tdap dose during each pregnancy. Never got it? You should have it as soon as possible. This vaccine is a requirement for becoming a grandparent – just ask the parents.
MMR: You usually get the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine as a child. It can prevent all three of these contagious diseases. The first dose happens at 12 to 15 months. You’ll get the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Once you’ve had the full series of vaccines, there’s no need to update them. Adults who’ve never had the MMR vaccine should get at least one shot. There are a few exceptions. For instance, pregnant women should wait until after they’ve given birth. Your doctor can tell you if it’s right for you.
Varicella: You might not have heard of the Varicella zoster virus, but you’ve heard of what it causes ‒ chickenpox, which is highly contagious. We now have a strong defense against it. Two doses of the varicella vaccine are about 90 percent effective. Doctors give it during childhood, usually by age 6. If you are over age 13 and have never had chickenpox or the shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests getting it when you can.
Shingles: This condition is a reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. It comes with a painful rash and blisters, usually on one side of your torso. The shot can prevent shingles and complications such as long-lasting nerve pain. The newest vaccine (Shingrix) has two doses. It’s given two to six months apart to adults 50 and older. After that, you’re protected for life. If you got the older shingles vaccine before 2017, you’re still eligible for Shingrix, which is much more effective. Keep in mind that it may have side effects. These might include body aches, fever and fatigue that last one to two days.
Pneumococccal: This bacterium can cause pneumonia and meningitis. These infections can be especially harmful at older ages. That’s why adults age 65 and older should get the PPSV23 vaccine. (In some cases, a doctor may also suggest a second vaccine, PCV13.) Adults under 65 should get it if they have a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, lung disease, alcoholism, immunocompromising conditions (such as HIV) or chronic hepatitis.
Meningococcal: Kids are ages 11 to 12 when they get the first dose of this vaccine. Then they get a booster at age 16. It helps prevent meningococcal disease. Most adults don’t need it, but it may be a good idea if you’re traveling to a part of the world where bacterial meningitis occurs more often.
HPV: The human papillomavirus is a leading cause of cervical, throat and rectal cancer. The CDC recommends that anyone between the ages of 11 to 26 get a series of HPV vaccines. That’s two doses for 11 to 14-year-olds and three doses starting at age 15. Recently, the CDC approved the vaccine for adults ages 27 to 45. If that’s you, ask your doctor if you should get the vaccine. It may be especially important if you’re dating or have multiple sexual partners.
COVID-19: If you haven’t gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your doctor about whether you should get it. And if you need more than one vaccine, ask your doctor about the best ways to space them out. You can create a vaccination schedule together. That way you can get the biggest immune-building bang from each one.
Trish Pearson is a licensed independent insurance agent and certified long term care specialist. Contact her at 203-640-5969 or trishpearson281@gmail.com.