Women’s Health : Vaccines
When most of us think of vaccines, we tend to think of childhood vaccines. While most vaccines are given in the early years of life, women over 18 still need to get boosters. All women need a tetanus-diphtheria booster shot every ten years, regardless of age. If you were born after 1965, but did not receive a measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, you should have one. Pregnant women are given a rubella screen as part of their pre-natal care. Though rare, a rubella infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects. If you are over 50, you should have a flu vaccine yearly and the one-time only pneumonia vaccine is recommended for women over 65.
For more information on St. John’s events or to find a physician, visit stj.com or call Referral One at 625.2000. And, to learn more about the integrated services and physicians available through the Sisters of Mercy Health System, log on to mercy.net.
