Are My Vaccinations Up to Date?

When was the last time you thought about your immunization record? You might remember getting a series of shots as a child, but it's essential to keep your vaccinations up to date throughout your life. Vaccinations not only protect your own health, but also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases in your community. 

At LocalMD in Maspeth, Queens, New York, our team of board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners offers the flu shot, the latest COVID-19 vaccine, and numerous other vaccinations to help keep you and your entire family as healthy as possible. Here’s why it’s important to keep your vaccinations current. 

The lifelong importance of vaccinations 

Vaccinations aren't just for kids; they're crucial at every stage of life. Some vaccines last a lifetime, but others require a booster dose.

Protecting yourself 

Vaccinations help your immune system recognize and fight specific diseases, reducing your risk of getting sick or seriously ill. Some vaccines, like the flu shot, need to be updated annually to provide ongoing protection against new strains of the influenza virus.

Safeguarding others

Keeping your vaccinations up to date helps protect those who can't be vaccinated, such as individuals with weakened immune systems. It also contributes to herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of diseases within a community.

Travel and health requirements 

Many countries require you to get certain vaccinations for entry, so staying up to date can facilitate travel plans. Some jobs and schools may also have vaccination requirements.

Key vaccinations to keep in mind 

Vaccination recommendations can vary depending on your age, health status, and travel plans. Here are some of the vaccinations recommended by the CDC that you should be aware of.

Flu

Recommended annually, especially for people at higher risk of complications from illness, such as young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) 

A booster every 10 years helps maintain immunity, which is especially important if you're around newborns.

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Typically administered during childhood. A second dose may be recommended for certain age groups.

RSV vaccine 

The RSV vaccine, offered for the first time this year, is a critical tool in preventing respiratory syncytial virus infections, primarily in vulnerable populations like older adults and individuals with certain health conditions. This common respiratory virus can cause severe complications in certain people. Ask our team if it’s right for you.

Pneumonia vaccine 

This vaccine is vital for safeguarding older adults and those with weakened immune systems against severe infections. It significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and enhances your overall health. 

Shingles vaccine 

Recommended for adults over 50 to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications.

COVID-19 vaccine 

An essential vaccination in the fight against the ongoing pandemic. Boosters may be recommended to maintain immunity, depending on evolving guidelines and as the virus mutates into other variants.

Staying on top of your vaccinations 

Keeping your vaccinations up to date is a straightforward process. Begin by reviewing your immunization records and consulting with your healthcare providers. You can talk with our team of experts to receive recommendations based on your age and health.

To stay up to date going forward, consider researching vaccination requirements for international travel and inform yourself about the latest vaccination recommendations, especially for emerging infectious diseases.

These steps will help you maintain your vaccinations effectively and contribute to your overall health. If you need to update your vaccinations, learn about your options at LocalMD. Call our office or request an appointment online today!