Are you current with all the immunizations you need? It’s important to make sure, because as we age, we become more vulnerable to certain diseases. August is National Immunization Awareness Month – a perfect time to revisit your immunization history.
What got me thinking about immunization wasn’t National Immunization Awareness Month. It was when a neighbor’s grandchild asked me (as only kids can do), “What is that round hole thingy on your arm?” The scar is the remnant of an immunization, but do you remember what it was for?
I’ve always remembered my scar as being from my vaccination against polio, which was administered before starting kindergarten and required a needle scrape of the skin. This was prior to the introduction of the Sabin oral polio vaccine in 1962 (way after my time). But, a quick spin around the Internet finds just as many people who believe the immunization that left their scar was for smallpox. What is your recollection? Whatever the case, our parents were vigilant in making sure we had all our immunizations so we would be protected against disease.
Fast forward to today, and a question: Now that we’ve reached “a certain age,” are we as vigilant in protecting ourselves as our parents were on our behalf so many decades ago? Even what might be called “common” diseases (influenza, pneumonia and others) can take a huge toll on us. We can rely on our doctor to keep us current, but I prefer relying on myself.
For a list of recommended vaccinations for older adults and an easy-to-read schedule, click on this link from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging: http://www.aoa.gov/AoAroot/Press_Room/Social_Media/Widget/Statistical_Profile/2010/7.aspx.
Another source is the vaccines.gov website: http://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/seniors/
[Compliance text, ex. Resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic]
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