Give Good Health a Shot This Winter
by Rebecca Cochran, MSN, RN, CPHQ, Quality Insights Quality Innovation Network Director

As snowflakes fall from the sky and we bundle up for chilly weather, it’s a great time to make sure you and your loved ones are ready for toasty get-togethers.

Every year, tens of thousands of Americans become sick, are hospitalized and even die from diseases that could have been prevented with a vaccine. It is important to know that vaccines aren’t just for children. Even if you received all of your childhood immunizations, protection can wear off over time.

Getting your recommended vaccines is an important part of staying healthy. Being sick is never fun and for adults it can mean medical bills, missed work and not being able to take care of yourself or your family. 

Certain conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can make it harder to fight illness and can increase your risk for complications. For example, the flu can increase your risk of heart attack and raise your blood glucose levels. Chronic lung conditions put you at risk for developing pneumonia. Vaccination is the best prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following vaccines for older adults:

• A yearly flu vaccine
• Two pneumococcal vaccines beginning at age 65
• A shingles vaccine for those aged 60 years and older
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (also called Tdap or Td)

You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits.

You have the power to protect yourself and those you love. Not sure which vaccines you’ve had and which you need? Talk to your healthcare professional today to find out which vaccines are recommended for you.

Visit us online at bit.ly/QI_Immunize to learn more.

Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. All rights reserved.