Editor’s note: below is important information regarding vaccinations from Elizabeth Dyer, Hyde County’s public health nurse.
Many adults are familiar with the recommendation to get a flu shot every year, but there are also other important adult vaccines.
Every adult should get one dose of Tdap, which re-immunizes against whooping cough (pertussis), as well as tetanus and diphtheria. The protection against whooping cough that a person gets from the childhood Tdap series decreases over time, leaving adults vulnerable to the infection themselves and to spreading the illness to others.
There are also vaccines to protect against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, which are viral infections that can cause severe illness and permanent liver damage.
These, as well as other vaccines, can help protect us against potentially dangerous infections.
Check with your health provider about adult vaccine protection at your next visit.
