We all need shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) to help protect us from serious diseases. To help keep our community safe, atom Alliance is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month this August.

Vaccines are recommended for adults to prevent serious diseases such as influenza, shingles, pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria, hepatitis, and whooping cough. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.

My brother recently had a horribly painful case of shingles. I’m certain he wishes he had been immunized. His healthcare provider told him everyone who has had chickenpox in the past can get shingles. I’ve learned nearly one million Americans experience shingles each year. Almost one out of three people in America will develop shingles in their lifetime. Risk increases as you get older. Healthcare professional recommend people 60 years or older should get the shingles vaccine. While I’m a little too young to get the shingles shot just yet, but I have diabetes and cardiac issues (an artificial valve and pacemaker) so I always get a flu shot every year.

Everyone six months of age and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages.

Adults can use this chart to see if they are up to date on shots.

Older adults and adults with chronic conditions are at risk for serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. Many of these diseases are common in the U.S., and all adults – even healthy ones – can benefit from vaccination.

Vaccination is important because it not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to others – especially those who are most vulnerable to serious complications, such as infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.

One of the reasons atom Alliance participates in the National Immunization Awareness Month is to clear up the misconception among many adults that vaccines are just for children. The truth is, you never outgrow the need for immunizations.

Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the shots they need. Learn more about how the atom Alliance helps.

Anthony Culver, MS

Anthony Culver has more than 30 years of experience in not-for-profit communications and management – nearly half of that with Medicare’s quality improvement organization program. He is managing his diabetes, enjoys travel & films and is an occasional pulpit guest at his church.