Vaccines are the ultimate protector. Vaccines stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies and protect your body against harmful, sometimes deadly, diseases. As we age, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccine schedule and ensure you are receiving vaccines according to your age, health, and need.
At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead can provide a full suite of care, including vaccine distribution and booster shots as required.
Flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract-- your nose, throat, and lungs. One of the best protections against the flu is the flu vaccine. Doctors suggest your chances for getting the flu are cut in half if you get the vaccine each year. Because the flu can mutate from year to year, a flu shot is a good yearly vaccine to consider.
Most people should get the vaccine. Whether you’re young, old, or middle-age, the flu vaccine is a great way to protect yourself.
The Tdap vaccine is a shot that helps protect you from three illnesses: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which is commonly called whooping cough. If you did not receive the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent, it’s a good idea to get it as an adult.
Hepatitis A and B are dangerous illnesses that spread virally through stool, blood, or bodily fluids. You may be at a higher risk and should consider vaccination if you frequently travel internationally, use illegal drugs, have chronic liver disease, or have been in close contact with someone who has Hep A or B. The vaccine is given in two doses 6 months apart. It is critical to get both doses.
The risk for deadly and contagious diseases increases as you age. It’s important to consult your doctor to determine which vaccines you may need to protect yourself. Shingles, measles, mumps and rubella are just a few diseases that remain contagious as you age.
If you’re over the age of 50 and have had chickenpox, it’s a good idea to get the shingles vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses called Shingrix, separated between 2 and 6 months.
Measles, mumps and rubella, also known at MMR, is a commonly transmitted set of diseases that spread quickly if you are not vaccinated. If you were born after 1957, haven’t gotten your MMR vaccine, and have never had measles, the MMR vaccine is recommended.
Getting regular vaccines is important for your overall health. To prevent contagious diseases, visit the doctors at Physicians Medical Urgent Care for convenient, holistic, and quick access to vaccines and other urgent care needs.
