Shots aren’t just for kids—adults need them, too. Although the recent new State law, which went into effect July 1, highlights the importance of childhood shots, vaccines are vital for all ages. This is an important message from the National Immunization Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).
Everyone should be vaccinated; the immunizations not only prevent you from getting sick, but it protects others as well by preventing the spread of illnesses. Adults should receive a flu vaccine each year, and vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and measles as recommended. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years. Adults 60 years of age and older should receive the shingles vaccine, and those 65 and older should receive one or more pneumococcal vaccine. Some adults may need vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and B, depending on their age, travel plans, and medical conditions.
There are vaccinations for different ages and health conditions, such as for pregnant women, babies and young kids, preteens and teens, and school-age children.
National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to check if you’re up to date on your shots, as well as to remind others—friends, family, co-workers—about getting vaccinated. Have your doctor assess your vaccination needs (for information on how to find a doctor or if you need to verify a license, visit the Medical Board of California’s website, www.mbc.ca.gov). Your local pharmacist may also be qualified to administer vaccinations. Visit the Board of Pharmacy website (www.pharmacy.ca.gov) to learn more and to verify a license.
For more information about vaccinations and National Immunization Awareness Month, visit the NPHIC website at https://www.nphic.org/niam.
