The CDC has confused us re: vaccinations. A lot of us think that we received all our vaccines as children and we are done, but that is not true. There have been so many articles about Covid and flu vaccines, that we forget that we are living longer and we need to protect ourselves.
There is a term for people not getting their vaccines, it is vaccine hesitancy. The problems with Covid vaccines have increased our concerns insurmountably. People are afraid, doubting, and altogether ignoring risks. We think we are healthy, but in reality we know that our immune system weakens as we age so that shot with 1 cc of protection is something to be considered.
Current Recommendations:
RSV-Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Two separate manufacturers, recommended age 60 years of age, highly recommended for people with chronic health problems, especially heart and lung. Repeat every 2 years.
Shingles Vaccine: If you have ever known anyone with shingles, you can understand why this vaccine is recommended. It can land anywhere on your body and the risk of it infecting a nerve long term, post herpetic neuralgia, is 10-18%, leaving you with chronic pain, chronic!!! Shingrix, two shots, is recommended over 50 years old, and if you are immunocompromised, younger. Talk to your health care provider.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: There are 3 different manufacturers of this vaccine and scheduling is very complicated. It is generally recommended by age 65, enclosed is a schedule to help you figure out which one, but I highly suggest you just talk to your health care provider.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/who-when-to-vaccinate.html
Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella Vaccines
There are currently two companies producing the MMR vaccine and now a new company has included the varicella in with the MMR vaccine.
Those born before 1957 are generally considered immune. But others need proven immunity via a blood test, or should receive two of the MMR vaccines 28 days apart. My experience is if there is a question you can either pay for the blood test or receive the series of two.
It is no secret that measles is making a comeback in almost every state in the US. It can cause terrible consequences if you are infected with no immunity. Also, women wanting to get pregnant should either receive the vaccine series or get the blood test to check on immunity prior to conception.
Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis Vaccine, Tdap
Recommended every 10 years for all. If you step on a dirty nail, if less than 10 years since vaccine, talk to your health care provider. You may still need a booster, plus dirty metal is not supposed to be in your foot and infection is always a risk. It is a higher risk if the puncture is through a rubber shoe. Plus, many young mothers will not let people near their newborn and children unless they are vaccinated against Pertussis, a respiratory disease.
As with all vaccines and questions, check with your Health Care Provider. This is an overview to give you general information and helps with questions with your Provider.
Information obtained from Medscape, June 6, 2024.