You’re not a kid anymore so why do you need to get a vaccination? Because you’re never too old to protect yourself.

While routine childhood immunizations save thousands of lives, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the majority of adults aren’t aware of and don’t take advantage of vaccinations that could prevent serious diseases.

The CDC has upgraded its vaccination schedule. Talk with a UI Family Care physician to see what vaccinations you need.

• Varicella vaccine—For those who have not had chicken pox or have had only one vaccination
• Herpes zoster vaccine—For everyone over age 60 to guard against shingles
• HPV vaccine—For all girls and women between the ages of 11 and 26 to prevent four strains of human papilloma virus that cause cervical cancer and other strains that prevent venereal warts
• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine—For adults under 65 years of age, once every 10 years; for adults over 65, a tetanus-diphtheria vaccination is advised.

Other vaccinations suggested for adults include:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal—targets pneumonia
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B—prevents liver diseases
• Meningococcal—guards against meningitis

Visit www.uihealthcare.com/familycare

Avoid the flu

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral respiratory infection that moves from person to person via sneezing, coughing, and even talking. It strikes your lungs, swelling and inflaming the lining of your respiratory tract. “Influenza is not a run-of-the-mill cold or upper
respiratory illness,” says Harriett Echternacht, MD, UI Family Care—Southeast Iowa City. “People do die from this.”

Act now to protect yourself. Call to schedule your flu shot at any UI Family Care clinic or UI QuickCare location.

Who needs a flu shot?

• Adults 50 years of age or older
• Children between the ages of six months and five years
• Adults and children with chronic illnesses
• Adults and children with a weakened immune system
• Health care workers
• Long-term care facility residents
• Anyone who wants to avoid the flu

Visit www.uihealthcare.com/familycare or www.uihealthcare.com/quickcare