8. Get the right shots

Vaccines exist for a reason: They ward off illnesses that can harm you. This has probably never been more apparent than wit the recent H1N1 and seasonal flu virus. Along with H1N1 vaccine, the CDC is recommending ramping up pneumococcal vaccinations, to prevent bacterial lung infections. Setu Vora, MD, pulmonary and critical care specialist and quality and safety officer at Backus, said this was recommended because people who contract the H1N1 flu are more susceptible to secondary infections. Adults should also keep their tetanus booster up to date, which is part of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine. Young adults in college should update their MMR and get a meningitis vaccine. Young women can prevent cervical cancer with a HPV vaccine. Healthcare providers should also make sure Hepatitis B vaccine is up to date, because this disease can be prevented with the vaccine.

Fast fact

Every $1 spent on immunization saves $6.30 in direct medical costs; with another $12 in savings per $1 spent for indirect costs, such as lost work, medical costs, disability and death - an annual savings of $42 billion, according to the CDC.
Source: Every Child By Two

Web extra:

An immunization chart for kids can be found at www.backushospital.org/shotchart.

One for adults can be found at http://bit.ly/4auH5f