Vaccines Specialists

Why are immunizations important?

Vaccines serve one essential goal: to protect you, your family, and friends from catching a contagious disease such as the measles or flu. When vaccinations are injected, your body produces antibodies against a disease or infection. Then the antibodies give you immunity by protecting you from the illness.

It’s important to get immunized because many contagious diseases can cause serious complications. For example, one out of 20 children who catch measles develop pneumonia and 1-2 out of every 1,000 children die. Adults who get measles can develop life-threatening pneumonia, brain inflammation, and middle-ear infections, and the risk of death is higher for adults than children.

What immunizations do children need?

The recommended immunizations for children begin at birth and follow a specific schedule through the age of 18 years. Children should receive immunization to protect them from:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles
• Pneumococcal disease
• Mumps
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Whooping cough
• Polio
• Flu

What immunizations do adults need?

Many adults think that only children need regular immunizations, but that’s not the case. Adults often need vaccinations for the following reasons:

• Adults are at risk for different diseases
• Women who may become pregnant (measles can cause birth defects)
• Immunity from childhood vaccinations can wear off
• Vaccine formulas may have changed since your childhood vaccination
• New vaccines may be developed that weren’t available during your childhood

Dr. Boulware reviews your immunization history and lets you know which ones are recommended based on your age and overall health. Adults may need immunizations to protect against:

• Seasonal influenza
• Shingles – adults over 60 years
• Pneumococcal – adults aged 65 and older or who are at high risk for pneumonia
• Hepatitis B – adults with diabetes or who are high risk
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) – all adults who never got this vaccine
• Human papillomavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal disease
• Chickenpox
• Measles, mumps, rubella

What vaccinations are required before I travel?

If you plan to travel outside the United States you need to get specific vaccinations, but the shots you need depends on which countries you plan to visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continuously revise their recommendations for travel vaccinations, so contact Dr. Boulware for an appointment to learn which ones you need.