Every year, thousands of adults in the United States suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccination. As part of National Immunization Awareness Month, CHI Memorial wants to remind adults they need vaccines. This is the perfect opportunity to make sure adults are protected against diseases like flu, whooping cough, tetanus, shingles and pneumococcal disease.
“There is a misconception among many adults that vaccines are just for children,” says David Castrilli, M.D., CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Associates – Chattanooga. “The truth is, you never outgrow the need for immunizations.”
Keeping your vaccinations up-to-date helps protect you and those around you from preventable diseases. Babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems (like those undergoing cancer treatment) are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. You can help protect your health and the health of your loved ones by getting your recommended vaccines.
Dr. Castrilli says there are two vaccines every adult should have. “Every year, you should have a flu shot to protect against seasonal flu. And once every 10 years, get a Td vaccine to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.” He says you may also need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, occupation and other factors.
If you are planning to travel outside of the U.S., Dr. Castrilli recommends checking to see if you need any additional vaccines. “Some travel-related vaccines are part of a series or are needed months prior to your travel to be most effective, so be sure to plan ahead.”
It is recommended that all adults get the following:
* Annual flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu
* Td/Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Some additional vaccines you may need (depending on your age, health conditions and other factors) include:
* Hepatitis A *Pneumococcal
* Hepatitis B * Shingles
* Human Papillomavirus (HPV) * Tdap
* Meningococcal
There may be additional vaccines you need for traveling overseas, depending on the location.
The recommended vaccines for adults varies depending on age, lifestyle, risk conditions, locations of travel and previous vaccines. All adults should talk to their primary care physician to make sure they are up-to-date on the vaccines recommended for them.
CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Associates – Chattanooga is located at 1720 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 206, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Dr. Castrilli is accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Castrilli, call (423) 648-8110.