Ok, we all know that as kids we had to get vaccines – mumps, measles, diphtheria….it seemed to go on and on, right?! We just knew it was going to happen – an inevitable childhood rite of passage. And yes, just the thought of them made us sweat. Finally, just when we were finished or so we thought, along came boosters. Well my fellow “over 25” friends, they’re baaaaaaccccckkkkkck!

The CDC, my PCP and the Good Doctor are all recommending a few more vaccines. Here are a few suggestions for everyone plus a few others if you are doing some exotic travel.

The annual flu shot. I am not going to dwell on this, you really should get one. See this previous blog.

Shingles. The CDC recommends this for everyone over 50 and yes, even if you had chickenpox as a child. It is 2 shots a few months apart. My PCP says that I am about 13 years overdue!  I am, without a doubt, THE worst patient EVER......

Pneumococcal. CDC is recommending 1 dose of 2 different vaccines about 1 year apart. Yay, I have a reprieve – it is recommended if you are over 65 or have some breathing or lung problems.

Tdap. Yes this is the old tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) booster that you need every 10 years.

If you are traveling to some of those great places on your bucket list – think places like sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia – you will probably need some additional vaccines. For our last Africa trip I received Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a Tetanus booster. If you have any questions, the best route is to set up a visit with a physician at a Travel Clinic.

As always, talk with your PCP prior to getting any vaccinations. This blog is not to be taken as definitive medical advice.

Live well, be healthy and travel safely!

PS  As always, if you have ANY questions leave a comment below.  We are happy to answer if we can:)