Autumn: Enjoy the Weather; Get Your Flu Shot
Autumn: Enjoy the Weather; Get Your Flu Shot
When parents refuse to vaccinate their children, they not only put their children in jeopardy–they put you in jeopardy also. That’s because our society depends and runs on herd immunity. When most of us are vaccinated against diseases, we provide herd immunity; we provide protection from transmitting many diseases to others–especially babies who are too young to be vaccinated, older people who are too sick to be vaccinated and people of all ages whose immune systems are weakened by a chronic condition.
When young families refuse to vaccinate their children, claiming their kids: “Are just fine. They never get sick,”–they are ACTUALLY RELYING ON THE IMMUNITY OF THE OLDER GENERATIONS WHO ARE IMMUNIZED. Because those of us who either got chicken pox, measles, mumps and rubella, and/or vaccinated our children against those diseases are now providing HERD IMMUNITY to those claiming they don’t need the shots. But when we get sick or die off, that herd will be depleted. We might be looking at future pregnant women with rubella who are giving birth to children who are deaf and blind. Or a flu season like none other, because of depleted immune systems that cannot fight off the virus.
MORE STATISTICS
Consider this: 30% of adults who were surveyed did not know whether they needed a pneumonia shot. Did you know that one in five adults who are hospitalized for pneumonia end up in an intensive care unit?
TETANUS
If you did get your childhood vaccinations, you probably received shots that protected you from whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria, though they often had to be repeated. The Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis or whooping cough) which was introduced in 2005, is now given to all children. But there’s a chance you have not received it.
Are you a serious gardener who could be prone to cuts from a rusty fence or gardening tool? The CDC now recommends that you get a Tdap or Td every 10 years to boost your immunity. Whooping cough is not a thing of the past and if you work with unvaccinated children, you could be at risk.
SHINGLES
If you are over fifty and have not been vaccinated in the past five years, you need the shingles vaccine. This blistery rash is the result of the chicken pox virus which remains in your body. Though the rash may clear up in a few weeks, it can leave lingering nerve pain that lasts much longer. And check out a new vaccine called Shingrix that is given after age 50.
MMR
If you were born in 1957 or later you may need the MMR. It protects against measles, mumps and rubella. And if you plan to travel internationally you should be covered by two doses before you go. There was also a version between 1963 and 1967 that was ineffective. You can get a blood test to check your immunity.
PNEUMONIA
If you are over 65 and or suffering from certain chronic medical conditions, you need a pneumonia shot. Currently, the CDC recommends the version PPSV23 for all adults who are 65 or older. People with weakened immune systems might also need PCV13. Your doctor will advise you.
FLU
Everyone should get a flu shot every year. The strains change and thus the immunity you gained from past years will not protect you. The numbers of people who die every year from the flu (an estimated 36,400 to 61,200) indicates how serious flu is in older adults.
PLEASE KNOW: you cannot catch the flu from the shot, though some people experience symptoms after the injection like muscle aches, headache and fever–that is normal. It means your immune system is working.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
In a world where information is often right at your fingertips, there is no excuse not to at least have an opinion about flu shots and other vaccinations. Educate yourself. Read. Ask your doctor.
And yes, enjoy the weather. Autumn is a beautiful time to get outside and breathe fresh air, take a walk, open your arms to sunlight. You might even walk over to your neighborhood pharmacy and talk to them about getting this year’s flu shot–and any other vaccines you might need to protect yourself and to invest in herd immunity.
Thanks to Sara Vigneri PHOTO: Thanks to Picfair
