Medical squadron spreads news about immunizations

  • Published
  • By by Staff Sgt. Lori McCarty
  • 66th Medical Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Everyone needs immunizations, which are also called vaccines or shots, to help protect from serious diseases. To help keep the local community safe, the 66th Medical Squadron is participating in National Immunization Awareness Month throughout August.

There are shots available that can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria and rubella. But, people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It's important to know which shots are needed and when to get them.

For a children's schedule of vaccines, go to www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4050.pdf. For an adult schedule of vaccines, go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/mmwr-adult-schedule.pdf.  

The 66th Medical Squadron's Immunizations Clinic strives to keep children on track with their vaccines to prevent disease and keep them up-to-date because school is approaching soon.

Keeping a child up-to-date with their vaccines also allows them to enroll at the Child Development Center and other child care facilities. As for adults, it is best to keep up with vaccinations, as well, to prevent disease.

Shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:

- Children need a series of shots from birth to age 6.
- Pre-teens need recommended shots at age 11 or 12.
- All adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
- Starting at the age of 50, adults need shots to prevent flu and pneumonia.
- At age 60, a shingles vaccine can be given.

Flu season is also approaching. Keep an eye out for news of how beneficiaries may receive the flu vaccine. Flu season starts Oct. 1. To find out who is eligible to receive the flu shot on base, call 781-377- 5065.

Currently, there is a waiting list at the clinic to receive the shingles vaccine. Call the Immunizations Clinic to add a name to that list.

As always, the first step is to talk to a doctor or nurse to find out which immunizations are needed. For questions regarding immunizations, please contact the Immunizations Clinic at 781-377-3531.