I haven't seen a doctor in [-]over 10 [/-] 17 years and was thinking about a tetanus shot. I read it's recommend to get one every 10 years. Do people get one that often in practice?
I found a CVS page on vaccines. It says they offer:
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
Flu shots
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
HPV (human papillomavirus)
IPV (polio)
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Shingles vaccine (herpes zoster vaccine)
Td (tetanus, diphtheria)
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Vitamin B12 injection
I'll get the shingles vaccine when I'm 55 unless I decide I'm immune compromised before then. I have no idea about the others, especially because there are two kinds of tetanus shots - DTaP and Tdap. I'm 54 and I had all my childhood shots.
Flu I've heard enough about and I'm not so worried but I know I technically should get a flu vaccine and I might.
Give me a break! You are behind on screening for preventative deadly illness.
You should really get your lipids, fasting glucose, PSA and BP checked. Also start screening for colon cancer. This will require connecting with a doctor. Taking care of yourself in just these few simple ways could significantly prolong a healthy life. I have two friends with stage 4 breast cancer. It would have been better if they were diagnosed at stage 1. My aunt died of colon cancer. It was a horrible experience. As did one of my practice partners in the 1990s. That was equally horrible. They were both younger than you.
You should not just "technically" get the flu vaccine. You should get the flu vaccine. I have been getting flu vaccine yearly since 1991. My son, since 1995, when he was 3. He did get flu once, in 1999. He was barely sick; the vaccine was partially effective. I'm a retired pediatrician. Exposed to measles, chicken pox, multiple types of meningitis and very contagious form of tuberculosis (two years ago). I took care with masks and gowns and gloves to avoid unecessary exposure. Most importantly, up to date with my vaccines. All of them. Taking care of yourself is a significant part of a long healthy life.
DTaP is for children. Tdap is a lower dose of diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine for adults. Yes, get it at least every 10 years. The most common source of deadly pertussis in young infants is their grandparents who have not recently been vaccinated. Tetanus disease caused by contaminated wounds from soil containing the bacteria. It has a high mortality rate. Keep up with your tetanus shot. Tdap can be given as often as every 2 years as it is now recommended during every pregnancy. Yes, people get Tdap on a regular basis.
Hepatitis A-can be given at any time, worth a consideration, most have not been vaccinated. Most probably do not need to be. If I was to travel to Asia, Africa, or rural South America, I would get it. Very safe, painless shot series.
Hepatitis B-yes. Required for school and health care workers. I got mine soon after it became available. My son got his when he was 3, 10 years before it was required for school. Extremely safe. Mostly transmitted through sex and IV exposure after early childhood.
HPV- insurance pays between about 10 and 22 years. Prevents genital warts, which are a significant risk for cervical cancer and penile cancer. Not paid for in older adults. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Consider your risk and age before making that decision.
Polio-you have probably been vaccinated, long ago. Booster doses not needed. Risk of infection in North America, Europe, and Australia is non-existent. Also not much risk anywhere in the world elsewhere.
MMR-see polio. Measles is the main problem here. If you had disease or received two doses of the vaccine any time in your life, you are fine. If not, one booster is worth a consideration.
Rubella is a mild illness unless a fetus is infected, then there can be severe consequences. Not a problem for you.
Meningitis vaccine-most important in late teens and young adults.
Pneumonia vaccine-you should get if over 65 or if immune compromised.
Shingles vaccine-YES, when you are eligible. It's basically a chicken pox virus booster. I'll get mine when it's paid for. DH and I both had shingles 5-7 years ago. We do not want it again.
Td--get Tdap instead.
vitamin B12 is not a vaccine.
Look all of these up on the CDC website if you have questions.