Vaccine Information

The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone ages six months and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and primary care providers encourage everyone eligible to get their flu shot at the beginning of every flu season, which typically starts in early October and can last, in some cases, through May.

While a flu vaccine won’t guarantee you won’t get sick, it does significantly lower your risk of severe illness.

The flu vaccine is very important for older adults. People over the age of 65 have a much higher risk of getting seriously ill from the flu and may even wind up in the hospital. Talk to your doctor about getting your free flu shot each fall.

Pneumonia is another illness that can be quite serious for our youngest and oldest loved ones. Fortunately, two pneumonia vaccines are available to protect those under the age of 2 and over the age of 65.

Each vaccine fights a specific strain of pneumonia, so if you’re at risk, it’s important to double up on your protection. You won’t get both shots at the same time. They’re typically given about one year apart to help your body fight off the different bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause pneumonia.

The CDC recommends these groups get a pneumonia vaccine:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Babies and children under 2
• Individuals with certain medical conditions

Getting chickenpox (varicella) was once thought of as a rite of passage of childhood. And if you contracted it in the past, the virus that caused those red, itchy spots is still in your nerve tissue. Fortunately, it’s inactive, meaning it doesn’t cause any symptoms. But, for some people, the virus can “wake up” and cause shingles.

Shingles (herpes zoster) causes blistering red rashes but usually only affects one side of your body. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with. You’ll likely have serious pain that keeps you from work, play and spending time with loved ones.

If you’ve had chickenpox, talk to your doctor about the shingles vaccine, Shingrix. Shingrix is FDA-approved for individuals age 50 and older. It won’t take the virus out of your body, but it does lower your chance of getting shingles by about half. You can get the Shingrix shot even if you’ve had shingles in the past.

Vaccinations are an important way to keep your child healthy and well throughout their early years and as they become adults. We’re very lucky that the childhood vaccines available today have completely gotten rid of illnesses like polio and smallpox. Even better, the vaccines available in our country must go through careful, extensive research studies to make sure they’re safe for even our littlest patients.

Your child’s doctor will review their recommended childhood vaccine schedule during a well exam, and it’s important to stick to it as best you can. But even if you do miss an appointment, we’ll help work to get your child caught up.

Check out the CDC’s recommended childhood immunization schedule.

The COVID-19 vaccine has given a shot of hope and protection to over 200 million Americans who are fully vaccinated.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for:

• Adolescents and teens ages 12 – 17
• Adults ages 18 and over
• Children ages 5 – 11
• Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Booster shots have also been authorized for certain groups. Stay updated on the latest recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC.