Vaccines to the rescue for the month of August

It’s funny how as people we have life routines for going back to school, the beginning of hunting season, the start of different sports seasons and we even know the right season to grow some fruits and vegetables. It is unfortunate that when it comes to our health and the health of our family we sometimes “forget” to get our vaccinations to keep us healthy for another season or up to several years. There are several misconceptions about vaccine’s and how and when one should be vaccinated for certain things during one’s life cycle. For the most part, most of us believe that we got all our necessary shots when we were kids and that we are protected for life.

The main reason to get a vaccine is to help you remain safe from unwanted illnesses that can be easily and safely avoided because, the truth is you never really outgrow the need for vaccines. Being vaccinated is determined by many factors such as: lifestyle, age, location of where you live and travel, high-risk conditions and previous vaccinations.

This is a mini map of version of vaccines one should get as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for the age range:                     (19-21)       (22-26)     (27-49)  (50-59)   (60-64)    (65+)

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)	Get a Tdap vaccine once, then a Td booster vaccine every 10 years^
Varicella (Chickenpox)	2 doses^
HPV Vaccine for women	3 doses^
HPV Vaccine for men	3 doses^	3 doses*
Zoster (Shingles)					1 doses^
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)	1 or 2 doses^			1 or 2 doses*
Pneumococcal (pneumonia)	1 or 2 doses*					1 dose^
Meningococcal	1 or more doses*

^: This symbol show that the vaccine is recommended for all adults unless your doctor or nurse tells you that you cannot safely receive this vaccine.

*: This symbol show when the vaccine is recommended for adults with certain risk related to their health, job, or lifestyle that put them at higher risk for serious disease. Talk to your doctor or nurse to see if you are at higher risk.

To view the full map visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html

At First Care of New York we know the importance of being up to date with not only vaccines but all aspects of healthy living and providing ample care to the individuals in our community that we support with our home care services. First Care of New York proudly supports National Immunization month of August. So get in the game and get yourself immunized.

First Care of New York is a licensed home care service agency that can help individuals that are having difficulties with activities of daily living. With our certified home health aides (HHA) and personal care aides (PCA), we can provide the services needed. Our HHA’s and PCA’s can help with bathing, cooking, cleaning and even medication reminders, as well as other assistance, depending on one’s needs. One very important factor is that our HHA’s or PCA’s can accompany our clients to their doctor’s appointment to help our clients get that vaccine that they would need. Please feel free to contact us and find out how we can help. You can find out more about First Care of New York Inc. by visiting us on the web at www.1st-care.org or you can call us at (718) 741-5956.