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What is immunization?
Immunization is a way to protect people from getting a number of illnesses.
Many of these illnesses can spread easily and cause serious health problems.
They can even cause death.
People usually get immunizations when they are children.
Immunizations are often given as shots called vaccines.
Why do I need vaccines if I feel okay?
Vaccines will protect you from getting sick. Without them, you have a higher
risk of developing serious illnesses.
Even adults who received vaccines as children should receive
some of the vaccines again. Without a new dose of the medicine, called a
"booster" shot, they are not protected as well.
How do I know what vaccines I need?
Your health care provider can tell you what vaccines you may need by asking
you about your medical history. If you:
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Never received vaccines as a child, OR
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don't know if you received vaccines,
you are likely to need a number of vaccines.
What vaccines should I have been given as a child?
You should have been given vaccines for:
What vaccines do I need if I was never vaccinated?
In most cases, you will need vaccines for:
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Tetanus (lockjaw)
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Hepatitis B
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Diphtheria
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Polio
If you were born after 1956, and have not already received a
second shot for these diseases, you are likely to also need vaccines for:
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Rubeola (measles)
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Mumps
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Rubella (German measles)
If you have had any of these illnesses, you may not need
vaccines for them.
What shots do I need if I was vaccinated as a child?
Everyone should get a tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria vaccine once every
eight to 10 years. It's also a good idea to get a flu shot (influenza vaccine)
every year.
Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia shots are very important
for people who:
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Are 50 or older
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Have a lung or heart disease
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Have diabetes
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Have difficulty fighting illnesses (can be caused
by organ transplant medicine, some kidney diseases, cancers, and other
diseases)
Note: You must get a new influenza shot every fall to be
protected, but the pneumonia vaccine is needed only once after age 65.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are very safe. The illnesses present a greater health risk to
you than the vaccines.
Serious side effects from vaccines are not common but can
happen. Ask your health care provider to tell you about possible risks and side
effects.
What is a "booster" shot?
A "booster" shot is another dose of a vaccine. Tetanus and
diphtheria shots that people get every 10 years are called booster shots. The
additional dose of medicine "boosts" your protection against an
illness.
Should I get vaccines if I am pregnant?
Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox vaccines are not safe for
pregnant women. Tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza vaccines may be given safely
during pregnancy. The safety of the pneumococcal vaccine in pregnancy has not
been studied. Consult your doctor before a vaccination.
Do I need vaccines if I plan to get pregnant?
If a pregnant woman gets German measles (rubella), her baby can be born with
birth defects. If you plan to get pregnant, you should be sure that you are
immune to German measles. This can be determined by a blood test. You should not
get this vaccine if you plan to get pregnant within the next three months.
Additionally, you should not receive the chickenpox vaccine if you are planning
to become pregnant in the next four weeks.
It is important that you keep a record of when you received your
immunizations. This record is an important part of your health history.
Where can I get more information?
Call your local public health department, or contact the Centers
for Disease Control:
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control
NIP Public Inquiries
Mailstop E-05
1600 Clifton Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 800/CDC-INFO (800/232-4636)
Email: NIPINFO@cdc.gov
Website: www.cdc.gov/nip
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