What Immunizations Does Your Family Need?
by Misty Cox, FNP-C, WHNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner
Contents:
Do you know anyone who has recently had Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)? Do you know what Hib is? Probably not in both cases. Affecting mostly children under five years-old, Hib is a disease that can seriously damage a child’s immune system and cause brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the four dose vaccine was available, approximately 20,000 children were affected by Hibs annually.
Hib is just one of many diseases we rarely encounter any longer thanks to vaccines. More than 16 diseases can be prevented or decreased in severity if vaccines are proactively administered. The most current example is COVID-19 and associated variants, including delta.
August is Immunization Awareness Month, so let’s review vaccines recommended throughout our lifetimes.
Please consult your primary care provider (PCP) for more information on recommended vaccines, timing, number of doses and when to receive based on medical history, risks, and other factors.
Childhood Vaccinations
The CDC has easy to review children’s vaccines schedules by age group on their website.
Early Childhood: Birth to Age 6
- Chickenpox/varicella
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough/pertussis (DTaP)
- Hib
- Influenza (flu): recommended annually from age six months and on
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Pneumococcal conjugate disease (PCV13)
- Polio (IPV)
- Rotavirus (RV)
Children: Ages 7-18
In addition to any vaccines missed that were recommended during early childhood, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for kids ages 7-18:
- Flu (annually)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
- Tdap (the DTaP booster)
If your child has certain health conditions that put them at an increased risk for serious diseases, your PCP may also recommend the following vaccinations be administered:
- Pneumococcal
- Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB)
Adult Vaccinations
The CDC also provides information to adults to help adults understand what vaccinations are recommended based on age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and more.
Young Adults: Ages 19-26
- Flu: recommended annually
- HPV, if not previously received
- Tdap, if not previously received
Adults: Age 50+
- Flu: recommended annually
- PCV13: recommended for all adults with a condition that weakens the immune system, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections and is recommended for all adults age 65 and older
If you have one of the following medical conditions, talk with your PCP about additional vaccinations that may be recommended to decrease your risk of serious illness and complications.
- Asplenia
- Asthma
- Diabetes Type 1 and/or Type 2
- Heart disease, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease
- HIV
- Kidney/renal disease
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Weakened immune system
Adults: Special Groups
If you fall into one of the following categories, additional vaccinations may be recommended. Consult the CDC website for more information or speak with your PCP.
COVID-19 Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended to fight against the coronavirus and variants, like delta. This vaccine is now available for everyone age 12 and older. For the most current information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the CDC website.
If you have questions about what vaccinations you and your family need, DMG primary care providers (PCP) are here for you. To find a DMG PCP at a location near you, click here. We’re here to support the health of you, your family, and the entire community.
