In the United States, health experts are asking people of all ages to bare their arms and get vaccinated to protect themselves.
This is one way to protect your health and keep others from getting sick.
“Immunization can prevent serious illness, disability and even death,” explained Dr. Neha Vyas of the Cleveland Clinic. For adults, routine immunizations include a tetanus shot, Vias added.
For people over 50 or immunocompromised, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses, spaced two to six months apart.
Vias also recommends making sure you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine, as well as “a new vaccine called the RSV vaccine, which targets respiratory syncytial virus. It’s for adults over 60.”
For children, routine immunizations include: tetanus, pneumonia, influenza and a follow-up COVID-19 booster shot, Vyas said.
Vias added that meningococcal and human papillomavirus vaccines should also be vaccinated.
“Children have very strong immune responses, so the younger they are, the more healthy they can develop,” Vias said.
Beyond immunizations, there are some simple steps you can take to stay healthy.
“Wash your hands properly, stay home when you’re sick, and don’t forget to wear a mask if you don’t feel well in crowds,” Vias said.
Unlike many other viruses, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a year-round threat, not just in the fall and winter, doctors say.
Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 vaccination status.