Immunizations

Flu shots
Each year the influenza virus changes and different strains become dominant. Due to the high mutability of the virus a particular vaccine formulation usually only works for about a year. It’s good to get flu shots annually to protect against the most prevalent flu strains that year. Vaccination against influenza with a flu vaccine is strongly recommended for high-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.

Pneumonia
Pneumonia vaccination is important for preventing pneumonia in both children and adults. Vaccinations against pneumonia in the first year of life have greatly reduced pneumonia in children. Vaccinating children against Streptococcus pneumoniae has also led to a decreased incidence of these infections in adults because many adults acquire infections from children. It is recommended for all healthy individuals older than 65 and any adults with emphysema, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or those who do not have a spleen. A repeat vaccination may also be required after five or ten years.

Shingles