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Vaccines are extremely common as a child to help fight against illnesses as our immune systems develop. As an adult, there are some we need to get to avoid any serious illness or health complications. This can help to prevent hospitalizations or cancer. AFC Urgent Care Waltham provides a variety of vaccines for all aspects of life. Additionally, we provide vaccines recommended for traveling outside of the country. Be sure to call before visiting to ensure we have the proper vaccines you may need.
Flu Vaccine
The flu hospitalizes around 400,000 people each year and can result in death for over 50,000. By getting the flu shot, not only do you protect yourself from severe symptoms, but you protect others around you who are more vulnerable. It takes more than just washing your hands to avoid getting the flu.
Any adult should plan on getting their flu shot each year. The flu is constantly mutating, which means the flu vaccine from last year won’t protect you this year. If you have an egg allergy, speak with a medical provider about your options. The flu shot has been known to cause reactions in those allergic to eggs.
Pneumonia Vaccine
Similar to above, those who have weakened immune systems for whatever reason are at high risk of complications from pneumonia. Most healthy adults can recover with plenty of rest and fluids, but a vaccination can help with further protection. Pneumonia causes the lungs to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. Some patients may require hospitalization.
Those over 65 should get the pneumonia vaccine each year. Additionally, those who have chronic health conditions, smokers, or those with diabetes at any age should also get one.
HPV Vaccine
Both men and women can get HPV at any point in their life. HPV has the potential to cause cancer in some cases but is preventable through a vaccine. It’s recommended that pre-teen boys and girls receive the HPV vaccine, but adults who have not received it can also get it. It’s recommended to get the HPV vaccine before turning 27 years old, but those aged 27 to 45 may still receive it after speaking with a physician.
Shingles Vaccine
Those who have had chickenpox are more likely to get shingles later in life. Shingles cause a painful rash that typically wraps around the right or left side of a patient’s torso. The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Americans will get shingles at some point in their life.
It’s recommended that those over 50 should receive the shingles vaccine, regardless if they had chickenpox. Shingles are more likely to develop as a patient gets older.
Meningitis Vaccine
Lastly, meningitis is a severe disease caused by forms of cancer, drugs, bacteria, or a virus. It causes membranes in the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. While it can be cured, bacterial meningitis can cause long-term damage, such as brain damage and learning difficulties.
All adults who are considered “at-risk” should receive the meningitis vaccine. This includes those who are not up-to-date with their vaccine, college students or military recruits, those with HIV, spleen damage, or those in or traveling to an area where it is prevalent.
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