Adult Immunizations: An Overview
Adult Immunizations: An OverviewEvery year, thousands of adults suffer from severe illnesses, and many may even die, from diseasesthat can be prevented.The good news is that you can protect yourself from some of these diseases – the best way is to getvaccinated.Many serious diseases are actually caused by tiny viruses and bacteria that you can’t even see.Some live on surfaces and travel from person to person through touch. Some travel through the air froma sneeze or cough.Some viruses can be passed through blood or other body fluids.And others may already be living in your body.However you get these germs, once they enter your body they can do damage and cause infectionbecause your body does not know how to fight them.That’s why vaccines are so important.A vaccine contains a weakened or dead part of a germ. When you get a vaccine, the germ entersyour body but it doesn’t make you sick. Instead, your body makes antibodies. Antibodies fight againstthe germ to protect your body.Each vaccine you get teaches your body how to fight that virus or bacteria. When your body comes incontact with those germs again, it already has the ability to fight them and can prevent the infection.Every year get an Influenza vaccine. This vaccine helps protect you from the flu and is usuallyavailable at the beginning of flu season; around September each year and is available through theentire flu season.Other vaccines are given depending on your age, lifestyle and medical history.So, at each healthcare appointment, talk to your healthcare provider about the specific vaccines you mayneed.It is a good idea to keep a list of all vaccines you get so you know you are protected and don’t double-up in thefuture. Ask your healthcare provider for a print-out of your records or keep a log yourself.Your records should include the date, type of vaccine dose and where you got it. Let a family member knowwhere you keep this list in case of emergency.If you think it is time for you to get a specific vaccine, or your healthcare provider has recommended one, youcan usually get the vaccine during your healthcare appointment. Or you can get it at your local pharmacy orcommunity health clinic.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10034B EN AdultImmunizationsAnOverview.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Adult Immunizations: An OverviewYour insurance provider may cover the cost of your vaccine but you may want to call ahead of time so youknow your benefits.Most vaccines are given by injection but some, like the flu vaccine, may be given through a nasal spray.Vaccines are safe. But as with any medication, there is a small risk of side effects. The most common sideeffect to any vaccine is a reaction at the injection site.Your healthcare provider will give you a complete list of possible side effects. If you are concerned, or if youhave had a reaction to a vaccine in the past, make sure you talk to your healthcare provider before getting thevaccine.If you aren’t feeling well when your injection is scheduled, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Shemay recommend you wait until you feel better to get the vaccine.Adult immunizations are an important part of staying healthy. They protect your body against manydiseases that can cause serious health problems.Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the vaccines you may need and get yourselfprotected today.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10034B EN AdultImmunizationsAnOverview.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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