We provide a number of vaccinations in our offices, and encourage patients to get routine vaccinations to avoid preventable illness and disease.

What shots do I need if I was vaccinated as a child?

Everyone should get a tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria vaccine once every eight to 10 years. It’s also a good idea to get a flu shot (influenza vaccine) every year.

Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia shots are very important for people who:

• Are 50 or older
• Have a lung or heart disease
• Have diabetes
• Have difficulty fighting illnesses (can be caused by organ transplant medicine, some kidney diseases, cancers, and other diseases)

Note: You must get a new influenza shot every fall to be protected, but the pneumonia vaccine is needed only once after age 65.

Should I get vaccinated if I’m pregnant?

Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox vaccines are not safe for pregnant women. Tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza vaccines may be given safely during pregnancy.

Do I need to get vaccinated if I plan on getting pregnant?

If a pregnant woman gets German measles (rubella), her baby can be born with birth defects. If you plan to get pregnant, you should be sure that you are immune to German measles. This can be determined by a blood test. You should not get this vaccine if you plan to get pregnant within the next three months. Additionally, you should not receive the chickenpox vaccine if you are planning to become pregnant in the next four weeks.

It is important that you keep a record of when you received your immunizations. This record is an important part of your health history.