Vaccines are in the news right now, but that makes it easy for important immunization information to flow into one ear and out the other.
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Vaccines protect children and adults from dangerous diseases. Some vaccines have allowed us to completely eradicate a disease, so long as enough people get their immunization. So what vaccines do you need and when should you receive them?
Pregnancy
Did you know some vaccines are recommended before and during pregnancy?
- Get your MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at least one month before pregnancy
- Your doctor will advise you to get your Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) shot during your third trimester
- A seasonal flu shot is recommended once a year, pregnant or not.
Your Toddler
The first two years are filled with wellness checkups and recommended vaccines. These immunizations help build your child’s immune system.
- Chickenpox vaccine
- Dtap
- MMR
- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) vaccine
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal) vaccine
- Polio vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
Grade School Kids
Additional doses of some vaccines are recommended for 3 to 6-year-olds.
- Chickenpox
- Dtap
- MMR
- Polio vaccine
Teens
You can’t protect your teen from puberty, heartbreak, or acne, but you can help protect them from disease with these immunizations.
- HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
- Dtap
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine
Adulthood
As an adult, you might think you’re out of the woods when it comes to shots, but there are a handful of immunizations needed to keep you healthy.
- Don’t forget your yearly flu shot!
- Get your Td vaccine every 10 years
- Adults over 50 should get their shingles vaccine
- Talk with your doctor about other recommended immunizations
You can visit www.tchdnow.org or find them on Facebook for more information about the Tuscarawas County Health Department and their services.
Audrey Mattevi
Reporting
