Just because you're all grown up doesn't mean your need for immunizations stop now that you're no longer a kid. Many adults aren't aware there are new vaccines for many things that there weren't available twenty years ago. Here's a look at some of the protection you may be lacking and may need.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is now believed to be responsible for many cancers, particularly cervical cancer later in life. It can also cause mouth and throat cancers as well as caner of the penis and anal cancer. It can also cause genital warts. It is spread by sexual contact. If you are a young adult who didn't receive this vaccine as an adolescent, it is highly recommended you do. Men and women under the age of 26 receive a series of three inoculations for full coverage.
Every years, several strains of influenza, more commonly called the flu, make the rounds. A bad bout of the flu is not only unpleasant, but it can cost you money from lost days of work. For people with impaired immune systems, it's even more important to be immunized. The flu can be deadly, especially some strains that have respiratory components. It's difficult to estimate how many die each year from the flu, and it varies from year to year, but according to the CDC, there have been anywhere from 12,000 to 56,000 deaths since 2010. A flu vaccine can't protect you from every strain, but it can protect you from the strain scientists feel will be most prevalent during the season. Many people are reluctant to get the vaccine each year because they worry the shot will give them the flu, but this isn't true.
Hepatitis B is a liver disease, and it can be spread sexually. Hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer, which is frequently fatal. Treatments are expensive, many of the currently available medications don't work for all people, and the treatment only deals with the symptoms as Hepatitis B isn't curable. But any adult who isn't in a long-term monogamous relationship, those with diabetes, and those who live in close contact with intravenous drug users (even insulin-dependent diabetics), should be vaccinated.
Don't forget that adults also need the occasional booster shot to bolster immunity to immunizations you received previously. For example, the tetanus shot requires a booster every 10 years to protect you against lockjaw. A walk-in clinic can give you whatever immunizations you need, making it convenient to keep up with them.
For more information about vaccinations you ay need, contact a local walk in medical clinic, such as Milford Hospital.