Topic 5 Vaccinations
Vaccines train the immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when it is exposed to a disease
Vaccines contain only dead or weakened forms of germs, they don’t cause the disease but keep you safe for its complications
Vaccination is safe, side effects from vaccines are usually minor such as arm pain or mild fever and don’t last long
Essential vaccines for adults:
- COVID-19
- Flu Shot
- Pneumococcal Shot: Protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia and blood and brain infections.
- Tetanus/Diphtheria Shot
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Shot
- Hepatitis B vaccine: Protects against Hepatitis B infection which can cause serious liver damage
- HPV vaccine: Protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that causes mainly cervical cancer and is suspected for causing other types of cancer as well
- Booster dose for MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella which can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy
