and pneumonia are 2 common illnesses that have vaccines. There are vaccines for measles, mumps, and some kinds of hepatitis. Tetanus and polio also have vaccines. ‚
The vaccines you need are based on your age, health, and lifestyle. Young children get many vaccines before they are 5 years old. Some vaccines, like the shingles vaccine, are just for older people. When you travel, you may need special vaccines. A tetanus shot is a kind of vaccine that you have to get more than one time. ‚
General
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there are things that you should know about vaccines: ‚
- Vaccines are important for all people. They help protect you and others from dangerous illnesses.
- Vaccines protect the one who gets the shot and others too. People who are most likely to become sick are those with weak immune systems and babies who are too young for vaccines. They are exposed to fewer illnesses when most people in the community have gotten vaccines.
- Most vaccines need a few doses over time to have the best immune response. Ask your doctor how many vaccines you need for each kind of disease. Some vaccines, like the flu shot, you must get each year.
- Vaccines have side effects, but almost all of these are minor. The risks are low and serious side effects are very rare. The benefits outweigh the risks of vaccines. Ask your doctor what you should do if you have a reaction to a vaccine.
What will the results be?
Vaccines help protect you against some illnesses. They may also help keep you healthy even if you are exposed to some germs. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
Will there be any other care needed?
- When traveling outside the country, ask your doctor if you need any more vaccines.
- If you have a chronic illness like diabetes, ask your doctor if there are any special vaccines to get or any vaccines you need to skip.
What problems could happen?
Mild reactions are common. You may have redness and swelling where the shot was given. Fever, rash, swollen glands, and joint pain are rare reactions that can happen. Serious reactions like a seizure or very bad allergic reaction do not happen often. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction to the vaccine. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- High fever or behavior that is not normal
- Jerking body movements
Helpful tips
- Keep a record of your shots. If you change doctors, take the record to the next doctor.
- Visit your local hospitals, health centers, or county health departments for free vaccines.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/features/adultvaccinations/ ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm ‚
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.nfid.org/about-vaccines/reasons ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/reasons-to-have-your-child-vaccinated.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚