Immunizations into Adulthood
There are many important immunizations for adults. Find out more…
Good morning. This is Dr. Joe Cincotta. What is it that children fear most about going to the doctors? I have found that the most common fear is the possibility of getting a shot. Most childhood shots are immunizations to prevent a variety of potentially serious diseases. These routine immunizations have been an important part of reducing and even eliminating many serious and once common diseases among our children. But did you know that immunizations are not just for kids? There are a number of important immunizations that adults should consider – depending on factors such as age, profession, travel plans, and various behaviors or activities. These immunizations include such things as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis prevention in adults, hepatitis A and B prevention, flu vaccines, pneumonia prevention in our older adults, and most recently an immunization to prevent a viral infection that is a major cause of cervical cancer and one to prevent the occurrence of a viral disease called shingles in our older adults. Make sure to talk with your doctor at your next visit to review whether or not you are adequately protected against those diseases for which there are immunizations. No one wants to get a shot, not even adults. But sometimes it is necessary. It is a matter of your health. Thank you.