The Doctor Is In!

on April 16, 2014

Q: What vaccinations do I need and how often should I get them?

submitted by Jennifer Ellifritt, APRN

The flu vaccine should be received yearly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends it be received by October as it can take up to two weeks for the antibodies to develop to protect you from getting the flu. The peak flu season is typically in January so this will give your body plenty of time to prepare.

According to the CDC, anyone over the age of 65 should receive the pneumonia vaccine once. The pneumonia vaccine has been proven to prevent pneumonia. 

The CDC recommends anyone over the age of 60 receive the shingles vaccine. There are some instances where the vaccine is not recommended. Because of this, be sure to consult your healthcare provider to see if you are a candidate for the vaccine.

The tetanus vaccine for adults is recommended every 10 years. There are varieties of the tetanus vaccine that include the whooping cough vaccine. The Dtap/DTP includes the whooping cough vaccine and is recommended for those over the age of 65 who may come in close contact with an infant of less than 12 months of age. 

Before receiving any vaccine, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner to make sure you are doing what is best for you. If you are a current patient of the Meadowlark Hills Medical Professionals, Dr. Floersch or I would be glad to sit down and talk with you about your vaccination needs. 

Insurance coverage of these vaccines can also vary, so be sure to check with your local doctor’s office and insurance to make sure there are no surprise bills for you.