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Parish Nurse News

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  Recommended Vaccinations 
September or October is recommended to get a booster of the influenza vaccine.  The CDC has recently issued the following recommendation that the new formulation be available to anyone 6 months or older to receive an annual dose anytime but September or October is recommended to cover the expected flu season.  Each year they formulate a new vaccine depending on the anticipated flu strain to be prevalent that season.  This year the three that are included are 2 strains of influenza A and 1 strain of influenza B.
Those over 55 years old or who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease, asthma, immune-suppressed or other chronic diseases are especially recommended to get this vaccination yearly.  Usually a high-potency form is recommended. The reason is that the older individuals usually have decreased immune systems.  If they were to get the flu it would be more severe and would take longer to recover without the vaccine.
The flu vaccine is usually available at many pharmacies and your health care providers’ office.  For those on Medicare the cost is covered.  For those younger many insurance policies will cover the cost.
When you go to get your flu shot you will be asked to fill out a health form to determine if you have any allergies such as an egg allergy or other health problems such as guillian barre or other situations that the flu vaccine should be avoided.  For those with egg allergy a special vaccine and procedure is available.
A new virus that can cause illness is RSV – problematic for children but can be problematic for older adults as well.  A new formulation just came out last week.  Ask your health care provider if you should be receiving this also.
It is important to keep your Covid-19 immunity up-to-date.  Currently it is recommended, especially for older individuals to receive a booster every 6 months.  The Covid virus mutates frequently and the most recent vaccination will keep it up-to-date.
Another respiratory infection that is common is bacterial pneumonia.  The vaccine for that is Pneuomo-vax – this is a one-time vaccine.  Many have already had this vaccine.
A resource to see if you are up-to-date on your vaccine is the STATE IMMUNIZATION RECORD that is available where ever you get your shots from.  You can ask them for a copy for your own record.
DTaP – diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis or whooping cough.  Usually good for 10 years unless you have a significant injury then after 5 years.
Your immunization record will tell you if you are up-to-date on your MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and shingles vaccine as well.
Dear Lord, please keep us in your tender care.  Amen.
                       
                           Rachel Boyum, Parish Nurse

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