Adult Immunizations/Vaccination

Vaccinations (Shots) aren't just for kids. Did you know:

  • A vaccination helps your body defend itself against a disease by building up an immunity to it
  • Vaccines are very safe and highly effective in preventing influenza (the flu), pneumococcal pneumonia, diphtheria and tetanus
  • You cannot get the flu from the flu shot
  • An annual flu shot is necessary because the virus strains change from year to year
  • Adults need a booster tetanus/diphtheria shot every 10 years because the vaccines do not provide life-long immunity

How to reduce your risk of disease through vaccination/immunization:

  • Talk to your doctor about your specific need for vaccines (including the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine if you are 65 or older or considered high-risk)
  • Get the flu vaccine annually if you:
    • are 50 or older
    • have a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer, or AIDS
    • are a health care worker or other public service worker (such as a police officer)
  • Keep up-to-date with the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine every 10 years
  • Get the shingles vaccine (1 dose) if you are 60 or older

What Medica is doing to help people learn about adult immunizations:

  • Medica is actively involved with the Minnesota Coalition for Adult Immunizations whose mission is to limit vaccine-preventable disease by developing innovative approaches for increasing adult immunization rates
  • Medica actively promotes the importance of adult immunizations through publications and educational mailings
  • Medica is working on creative approaches for increasing the numbers of members to receive flue and pneumonia shots

For more information about vaccines, immunization, or about related classes and other resources available to you through Medica, click on one of the following:

Guide to Preventive Services and Routine Immunization Schedule for Adults

Shingles Vaccine Fact Sheet

Medica CallLink

Note to Employers and Brokers: For more information on health improvement activities and programs for the workplace, e-mail us at hlthimp@medica.com.
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