Flu season is here. Now what?
This year, flu season takes on a whole new meaning. Autumn is the time when we are reminded to get caught up on our vaccines and COVID-19 shouldn’t change that for you. In fact, it makes it all the more important that you make every effort to get up to date on ALL your vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 50 get the seasonal flu shot. Over 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older. And, when was the last time you had a diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus booster (also known as DTP)? Almost everyone in North America in their youth, receives the DTP vaccine that protects us against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Did you know a booster is needed to follow-up these immunizations every 10 years?
Additionally, depending on your current state of health these may also be recommended:
Shingles vaccine – Recommended for those age 50 and over: 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. The risk of shingles increases as you grow older.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) - Protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections, recommended for all adults 65 years or older, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain health conditions.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) - Protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Recommended for all adults with a condition that weakens the immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant.
For those living with other serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke to name a few, the need for specific vaccines like the pneumococcal (pneumonia) are even more important. For those dealing with specific immune compromising conditions like HIV, the state of your bloodwork makes a difference to which vaccines you should get and when. Your health care needs are unique, that’s why it’s important to consult your primary care provider about what vaccines are best for you.
Get to know better…
The CDC has plenty of easy to understand information about the types of vaccines required for a range of chronic health conditions, you’ll find it here. A little preliminary research before your next doctor’s appointment can be helpful for you to make note of any questions you might have about your vaccine schedule, potential side effects, and more.
‘Tis the season – flu season. Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from getting the care that you need. Talk to a ClareMedica provider today about your vaccination needs.
Looking for a physician? The doctors at ClareMedica Health Partners still practice medicine the old fashioned way… only better.
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To find the ClareMedica practice that is right for you, give us a call at (786) 485-1005, send us an email, or click here.