Leading by Example — Staying up to Date on Immunizations
By Southcentral Foundation Corporate Communications
One of the most precious gifts in life is supporting others. Whether you are a parent, sibling, taking care of your parents or a friend, chances are you have spent quite a bit of your time helping others. Among all that you give to others, do not forget to give your own health and wellness support, care, and attention. Being proactive about your health care allows you to stay healthy and continue to be a pillar for those most important to you.
Staying up to date on recommended adult immunizations is a way to show self-care and lead your family by example. It is a gift you can give your family — to stay as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. Vaccines play a vital role in preventing the spread of infectious disease and reducing life-threatening symptoms.
Prioritizing your health is a positive way to lead your family.
Immunizations in adulthood may be overlooked or forgotten, but they are essential to keeping each other, Elders, and babies safe. You may be surprised to learn that, depending on individual health, family history, and date of childhood immunizations, you may be due for immunizations. Some important adult immunizations include, but are not limited to, flu, diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, shingles, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
If you are planning to travel, especially outside the country, immunizations play a crucial role in your overall well-being. Visiting new places may increase your exposure to new infections and diseases. Doing proper research is essential to reducing your risk of serious illnesses such as yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis, and more. Some countries have specific requirements before allowing admission and may not permit entry if your immunization requirements are not met. Staying up to date also reduces the likelihood of introducing new illnesses to the areas you visit, as well.
Taking the first step toward a healthier you can be simple and small. The State of Alaska makes it easy for individuals and families to see their immunization status through the Docket app — a secure application that allows you to view immunization history and share official vaccination reports for health, school, and travel. Customer-owners can also call their primary care teams directly, request an appointment on MyHealth, or send a secure message to their primary care teams on MyHealth.
Staying healthy is an investment in a brighter future for you and generations to come. Give yourself and your family peace of mind with an added layer of protection against preventable diseases. Contact your primary care team today and ask if you are up to date on immunizations.
See the link below for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested schedule for adult vaccinations.
