Stick Me a Good One

As an infant and toddler, you were poked and prodded on your butt and baby fat-filled thighs. Off to college, you’re shot in the arm for meningitis. But after that? Gee, your memory is a little fuzzy…

Intentional “forgetting” or not, adults should keep current on vaccinations to stay healthy. To prevent contracting influenza, human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, shots are helpful but many adults aren’t taking advantage of them, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

One of the lucky ones to escape childhood chicken pox? That shot might save you some major aches, pains and itchy-scratchies. And if you’ve had the chicken pox, consider the vaccine to prevent shingles, a worse re-awakening of the pox virus, years after infection.

If you’ve been attending doctor’s visits regularly, you might be up-to-date. But if you think you’re missing something important, ask your doctor. HPV and hepatitis protection vaccines require multiple shots over a period of time, so find out what you need and get started right away! [Self]