[RETVET-INFO] Veterans (and Retirees): Are Your Immunizations Current?

From: RETVET-INFO@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: <RetVet-Info@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:25:38 -0500
The VA's Office of Public Health reminds you that August is National
Immunization Awareness Month. It's very important to protect your health by
keeping your immunizations current.  You can help protect yourself and others
against seasonal flu and other vaccine-preventable diseases by getting
immunized. Consider your lifestyle and location when deciding whether to get
vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccine yet for hepatitis C.

Vaccines are some of the safest medical products. But, like any other medical
product, there may be risks. Talk to your health care provider about the value
of vaccines and their side effects.

 

Vaccines to consider

==================== 

Influenza (flu): People who are 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine
(flu shot or nasal spray). Get the vaccine each year because flu virus can
change from one year to the next.

Pneumococcal: Older people and those with certain medical conditions are most
susceptible to pneumonia. People under 65 will need a booster shot when they
reach 65 if more than five years have passed since the initial dose.

Hepatitis A: Recommended for those who travel to other countries or live in a
U.S. community with high rates of hepatitis A; or who have chronic liver
disease, engage in male-to-male sex, or inject drugs. Learn more about the
hepatitis A vaccine.

Hepatitis B: More contagious than HIV, hepatitis B is the type of hepatitis most
often spread through sexual contact. It can also be passed from an infected
mother to newborn, the sharing of needles or personal items with an infected
person, and other contact involving bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine can
prevent the disease.

 

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): People born after 1956 and all women of
childbearing age who have not had these diseases or been vaccinated against them
need to get the shots to be protected.

Chickenpox (varicella): Protection is necessary for those born in the U.S. after
1966 and have not had this disease and have not been vaccinated. Adults are at a
far greater risk of complications.

Shingles (herpes zoster): Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes
chickenpox. People who are over the age of 60 may receive a single dose of the
shingles vaccine. Consult with your physician first.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis: Booster doses of tetanus-diptheria (Td) are
needed at 10-year intervals. In place of the Td booster, people age 19-64 and
those 65 and older who are in contact with infants should get a one-time dose of
tetanus-diptheria-pertussis (Tdap) to also protect against whooping cough.

Vaccines for international travelers: Many Veterans and other Americans travel
abroad and are likely exposed to diseases common in those countries.

The Department of Health and Human Services has even created a website dedicated
entirely to vaccines.  To learn more, please go to the Vaccines.gov website at
http://www.vaccines.gov/

 

 

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SOURCE:  Compiled from VA News Releases at
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/vaccines.asp

 

 

 

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[RETVET-INFO] Veterans (and Retirees): Are Your Immunizations Current?

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