Many adults don’t keep up with vaccinations, opening the door to contagious diseases that can cause serious complications. And if that’s not enough to motivate you, consider this: Vaccinations can help protect you from heart disease. The team at Family Medical Doctors in Trinity, Florida, provides all the vaccinations needed by adults, whether you need a booster or you missed out on a vaccine as a child. To learn more about adult vaccinations, call the office or book an appointment online.
After you get a vaccination, your immune system produces antibodies against the bacteria or virus. When you’re exposed to the disease in the future, the antibodies identify the invading microorganism and eliminate or neutralize it. As a result, you don’t get sick.
Everyone needs vaccines to prevent contagious diseases because these illnesses haven’t been eliminated. Contagious diseases only stay under control when enough people keep up to date with their shots.
Adults often need vaccinations because:
Additionally, your immune system gets weaker as you get older or if you have certain chronic health conditions. If you don’t keep your vaccinations up to date, you’re more likely to get a contagious disease and develop serious complications.
After reviewing your vaccination history, your provider at Family Medical Doctors determines the shots you need based on your age and overall health.
Adults need vaccinations to protect against:
In some cases, you may only need a booster to improve your immunity. But if you missed some of your childhood vaccines, then it’s important to catch up and get them in your adult years.
Vaccinations prevent illnesses that affect the health of your heart. For example, respiratory conditions can weaken your heart and lead to heart failure. You can prevent these problems with vaccinations that protect you from pneumonia and the flu.
Getting your annual flu vaccination is especially important because older adults who get the flu are six times more likely to have a heart attack. And people who already have heart disease have a higher chance of developing heart-related complications due to the flu.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the common diseases prevented with vaccinations, including shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis), can lead to heart problems.
For example, the diphtheria toxin damages your heart and shingles may raise your risk of having a heart attack by 59%. You can eliminate all these concerns with vaccinations.
To learn if you’re due for a vaccination, call Family Medical Doctors or schedule an appointment online.
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