When to See a Primary Care Doctor vs. a Specialist

Deciding between seeing your primary care doctor or a specialist depends on the nature of the health issue and its complexity. Below are some general guidelines:

General Health and Routine Care:

Visit Your Primary Care Doctor: For regular check-ups, managing existing chronic conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or minor illnesses like the flu, your PCP is your go-to provider. They focus on maintaining your overall health and addressing common issues.

New Symptoms or Health Concerns:

Start with Your Primary Care Doctor: If you’re experiencing new or unexplained symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, or digestive problems, your PCP can conduct initial tests and assessments. If the issue requires specialized care, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Chronic Condition Management:

See Both Your PCP and a Specialist: If you have multiple chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes and heart disease), your PCP can oversee your overall care, ensuring all treatments are working together. However, you may also need to consult specialists (such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist) for focused treatment. Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates does offer Chronic Care Management program for Medicare participants. Our medical providers will coordinate with specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care.

Acute or Severe Issues:

Consult a Specialist: If you are dealing with a severe or complex condition, such as sudden chest pain, kidney problems, or neurological symptoms, your PCP will refer you to a specialist. Cardiologists, nephrologists, or neurologists provide targeted expertise for these kinds of health issues.

Mental Health Concerns:

Begin with Your Primary Care Doctor: For issues like depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns common in older adults, your PCP can provide initial evaluations, prescribe medications if necessary, and refer you to a mental health specialist when appropriate.

Age-Related or Specialized Geriatric Issues:

Consider Seeing a Specialist: Geriatric-specific concerns, such as memory loss, mobility challenges, or cognitive decline, may require specialized attention from a geriatrician or neurologist. These experts focus on addressing the unique needs of older adults, particularly for complex age-related conditions.

Common Specialists for Geriatric Patients

Geriatric patients often need to consult specialists for certain health conditions. Some of the most common specialists include:

• Cardiologist: For heart-related issues such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease.
• Endocrinologist: For managing diabetes, thyroid disorders, or osteoporosis.
• Geriatrician: A specialist who focuses on elderly care and complex health issues related to aging.
• Neurologist: For neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or stroke.
• Pulmonologist: For lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Orthopedist: For bone and joint problems, such as arthritis or fractures.

How to Coordinate Care Between Your PCP and Specialists

At Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates, we emphasize the importance of coordinated care between your primary care doctor and any specialists you may need to see. Here’s how to ensure your care is well-managed:

• Keep Your PCP Informed: Always inform your primary care doctor of any specialist visits and share your medical records or summaries of treatments.
• Ask for Referrals: Your PCP can help refer you to trusted specialists who fit your specific needs, ensuring seamless communication between providers.
• Organize Medical Records: Keep track of your medications, health conditions, and treatments. This helps both your PCP and specialists provide the best possible care and avoid unnecessary tests.
• Follow-Up with Your PCP: After seeing a specialist, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor at Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates to review recommendations and integrate any new treatments into your care plan.

For geriatric patients, effective healthcare involves knowing when to consult your primary care doctor versus a specialist. At Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates, we are here to guide you through the process and ensure that your healthcare needs are met with the right balance of general and specialized care. By working closely with your PCP and specialists, you can maintain your health and receive the comprehensive care you need to age well.

When Is the Right Time to Transition from a Pediatrician to a Primary Care Doctor?

As children grow into adolescence and young adulthood, an important healthcare decision is transitioning from a pediatrician to a primary care physician (PCP). Pediatricians specialize in the medical care of children, while primary care doctors focus on health concerns typically seen in adults. Understanding when and how to make this transition is key for ensuring continued, comprehensive healthcare. Here’s a guide to help determine the right time to make the switch and how to ensure a smooth transition.

 Age Guidelines

Pediatricians generally see patients from infancy through adolescence, typically up until age 18. Some may continue to provide care into a patient’s early twenties. Most medical professionals suggest making the switch to a PCP between ages 18 and 21, though this can vary based on the individual’s needs and comfort. Pediatric practices often have age policies, so it’s wise to confirm with your child’s pediatrician regarding their guidelines.

Maturity and Health Needs

The timing for the switch may depend on the individual’s emotional maturity and overall health status. Teens or young adults managing chronic health conditions, for example, might benefit from staying with their pediatrician until they reach more stability in their care. On the other hand, if a teenager feels ready for more independence in managing their health or if they start developing adult-related health concerns (such as reproductive health or lifestyle-related issues), transitioning sooner might be appropriate.

Signs It’s Time to Move On

Several indicators suggest it may be time to switch from a pediatrician to a PCP:

• Reaching 18: Once your child turns 18, it’s often a good time to start the transition process.
• Adult Health Issues: Conditions like high blood pressure, mental health struggles, or reproductive health may be better managed by a doctor who specializes in adult care.
• Desire for Privacy: Teenagers may feel more comfortable seeking care with a physician who provides more privacy around sensitive issues, such as sexual health.
• Insurance Limitations: Some insurance providers may not cover pediatric care beyond a certain age, making a switch to a PCP a necessity.

 Making a Smooth Transition

Once you decide to transition to a primary care doctor, it’s important to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s how to get started:

• Choosing the Right PCP: Research family doctors or internists who have experience treating young adults and who are in your insurance network.
• Transfer Medical Records: Make sure your pediatrician transfers all medical records, including immunization histories, previous treatments, and any relevant specialist care.
• Schedule an Introductory Visit: Booking a first appointment with the new doctor helps establish a connection and allows the patient to become familiar with the new doctor’s approach.
• Encourage Independence: Help your child take an active role in choosing their PCP, scheduling appointments, and discussing their health needs. This encourages self-sufficiency as they take on more responsibility for their health.

How Pediatricians Can Help with the Transition

Your pediatrician can provide valuable support during the transition. They can recommend trusted PCPs who specialize in young adult care and can offer continuity by sharing relevant medical history with the new provider. If necessary, they can also collaborate with the new physician, particularly if the patient has ongoing medical needs.

Differences Between Pediatricians and PCPs

Understanding the key differences between pediatricians and PCPs can help clarify the importance of the transition:

• Specialization: Pediatricians focus on children’s health and developmental stages, while PCPs manage a broader spectrum of health issues, including chronic illnesses and preventive care for adults.
• Healthcare Approach: Pediatricians tend to involve parents in decision-making, whereas PCPs typically encourage a more independent relationship with the patient.
• Range of Care: Primary care doctors can address a wider range of adult health concerns, such as cardiovascular health, diabetes, and age-related issues.

The transition from a pediatrician to a primary care physician is an important step in a young adult’s healthcare journey. Speak to one of our clinical team members at Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates to discuss your needs. The right timing to find a primary care doctor will depend on age, personal readiness, and specific health needs. By planning ahead and involving the patient in decision-making, families can help ensure a smooth and successful transition to adult healthcare, ensuring continued care that meets the evolving needs of young adulthood.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Popular Weight Loss Injections and the Latest Trends in Personalized Treatment

Weight loss injections have emerged as a popular solution for individuals struggling to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone. These injections typically involve medications that are administered on a regular basis, often weekly. Among the most widely used weight loss injections are GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (commonly known as Wegovy or Ozempic) and liraglutide (branded as Saxenda), as well as HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injections. Each of these medications operates differently within the body, offering distinct benefits based on an individual’s health status and weight loss objectives.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is involved in regulating appetite and insulin production. By increasing GLP-1 levels, these injections help reduce hunger, slow the emptying of the stomach, and enhance insulin sensitivity, leading to significant weight loss. Studies have shown that semaglutide can help individuals achieve up to 15% weight loss over time, making it one of the most effective weight loss medications currently available. Additionally, these injections offer benefits beyond weight loss, such as improved blood sugar control, which is particularly advantageous for individuals managing type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, HCG injections involve the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced during pregnancy. This method is often combined with a very low-calorie diet, typically ranging from 500 to 800 calories per day. Advocates of HCG injections claim that the hormone helps mobilize fat stores, leading to rapid weight loss while preserving muscle mass. However, the use of HCG for weight loss remains controversial, and it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose. While some individuals report substantial weight loss, the effectiveness of HCG is debated, with questions surrounding whether the hormone itself or the severe calorie restriction is responsible for the results.

A notable trend in weight loss injections is the combination therapy approach, where different medications are used together to enhance weight loss results. For example, healthcare providers are exploring the combined use of GLP-1 receptor agonists with other medications like SGLT-2 inhibitors, which help the body eliminate glucose through urine, or with appetite suppressants. This approach aims to address obesity from multiple angles, improving both the quantity and quality of weight loss. Additionally, there is a growing interest in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic profile and specific health needs, potentially increasing the effectiveness of weight loss injections.

In summary, weight loss injections provide various options for those seeking medical assistance in their weight loss journey, each offering unique advantages and considerations. From the highly effective GLP-1 receptor agonists with added metabolic benefits to the more controversial HCG injections, individuals now have a broader range of choices for medical weight loss. As trends continue to evolve, the future of weight loss injections may lie in combination therapies and personalized approaches, offering even greater potential for effective and sustainable weight management.

What Men Over 50 Need to Know to Maintain Your Health and Stay Ahead of the Game

Men over the age of 50 should prioritize regular health check-ups and screenings to maintain their well-being and catch potential health issues early. Men’s health screenings over 50 is crucial in order to identify and maintain your optimal health. One of the key areas of focus should be prostate health. As men age, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases, making regular Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams (DRE) crucial. These tests are designed to detect prostate abnormalities, including cancer, at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Monitoring Men’s Health Screening Over Age 50 and Risk of Heart Disease

In addition to prostate health, monitoring cardiovascular health becomes increasingly important for men over 50. With age, the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke rises. Routine health check-ups should include blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol level assessments, and electrocardiograms (EKG) to detect any irregularities in heart function. Additionally, a comprehensive metabolic panel can provide insights into glucose levels and kidney function, helping to identify potential risks for conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Monitoring Men’s Health Screening Over Age 50 and Colon Cancer Screening

Another critical area of focus for men in this age group is colon cancer screening. Starting at age 50, or earlier depending on individual risk factors, men should undergo regular screenings for colorectal cancer. The most common method is a colonoscopy, which allows for the detection and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer. Other options include non-invasive tests such as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and stool DNA tests. Early detection through these screenings can greatly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of advanced cancer.

Monitoring Men’s Health Screening Over Age 50 and Risk of Osteoporosis

Finally, men over 50 should consider bone density testing as part of their health routine. Although osteoporosis is often associated with women, men are also susceptible, particularly as they age. A DEXA scan, which measures bone mineral density, can help detect early signs of osteoporosis or osteopenia, conditions that increase the risk of fractures. Along with these diagnostics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can further enhance overall health and longevity. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your medical provider at Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates.

Helpful Resources

Boutique Style Medical Care

Geriatric Care Management

Mobile Medical Care

Palm Beach Home Care

Unlocking the Power of Ketosis

Often times patients ask our medical team about “keto” diet. Ketogenic diet, a dietary approach that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly in weight loss. The ketogenic diet is characterized by its emphasis on low-carbohydrate, high-fat foods. It works by shifting your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In this letter, we’ll explore the various benefits of a ketogenic diet for weight loss.

Effective Weight Loss

One of the primary benefits of a ketogenic diet is its effectiveness in promoting weight loss. By reducing your carb intake and increasing fat consumption, you can create a calorie deficit, leading to gradual and sustainable weight loss. Ketosis helps control hunger and stabilize blood sugar levels, making it easier to manage your calorie intake and shed excess pounds.

Improved Fat Metabolism

The ketogenic diet encourages your body to become more efficient at burning fat for energy. When you consume fewer carbs, your insulin levels drop, allowing your body to tap into its fat stores. This not only aids in weight loss but also improves overall fat metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Enhanced Satiety

Unlike some other diets that may leave you feeling hungry and deprived, the ketogenic diet often leads to increased feelings of satiety. High-fat foods are more filling, which can help you control your appetite and reduce snacking between meals. This can be a significant advantage in maintaining a calorie deficit and achieving your weight loss goals.

Better Blood Sugar Control

For individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, a ketogenic diet can be especially beneficial. By minimizing carb intake, blood sugar levels tend to stabilize, reducing the need for insulin. This can lead to improved glycemic control and potentially decrease the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Enhanced Mental Clarity

Aside from its weight loss benefits, many people on a ketogenic diet report improved mental clarity and focus. Ketones, the byproducts of fat metabolism during ketosis, are known to provide an alternative, efficient source of energy for the brain. This can result in heightened cognitive performance and increased alertness.

Better Lipid Profile

Contrary to the misconception that high-fat diets are detrimental to heart health, a well-structured ketogenic diet can actually improve your lipid profile. It often leads to decreased triglycerides, increased HDL (the “good” cholesterol), and reduced levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Consultation

The ketogenic diet offers a compelling approach to weight loss and overall health improvement. It can provide effective results, enhanced satiety, better blood sugar control, mental clarity, and a healthier lipid profile. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before embarking on this dietary journey. They can tailor a ketogenic meal plan to your specific needs and monitor your progress to ensure your safety and success.

We encourage you to reach out to us for guidance and support with the medical team at Jupiter Internal Medicine as you consider incorporating the ketogenic diet into your lifestyle. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to assist you on your path to a healthier, happier you.

Upper Respiratory InfectionsHow to Beat Influenza and Stay HealthyUpper Respiratory Infections

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI), also known as the common cold, are among the most prevalent diseases in the world. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a more severe form of URI that can cause more serious health problems. As a patient of Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments for URI, including influenza.

URI and influenza are caused by viruses that are spread through close contact with infected individuals. The most common symptoms of URI include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. Influenza often causes high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue in addition to the typical URI symptoms. Both URI and influenza are highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person.

Treatment for Upper Respiratory Infections

Treatment for URI and influenza typically involves symptom management. Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms. Rest and hydration are also important for recovery. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat influenza.

Prevention is key when it comes to URI and influenza. The best way to prevent getting sick is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. The flu vaccine is also a highly effective way to prevent influenza. It is recommended that everyone over the age of six months receive a flu vaccine annually.

If you suspect that you have URI or influenza, it is important to seek medical attention. In some cases, a doctor may need to perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as asthma or a weakened immune system, may be at a higher risk for complications from URI or influenza and should seek medical attention promptly.

At Jupiter Internal Medicine Associates, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients. If you have any concerns about URI or influenza, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are committed to helping you stay healthy and well.

Fifty is a big milestone year in life. It means you’ve lived half a century and gained half a century’s worth of wisdom and experience. It should also mean that you begin regularly undergoing important medical tests for risk factors that increase with age. Some of these tests are for both genders, while others are more important and needed for men. In this article, we’ll cover six different medical exams that you should be doing to make sure you live a healthy life over the next half century. 

Recommended Diagnostic Tests: 

Colonoscopy

The dreaded colonoscopy is the most well-known of these diagnostics. Although not exclusive to them, the colonoscopy is most commonly done on those over the age of fifty, and once you pass that age your doctor will certainly be requesting you get one. The test is done to detect cancer in the colon and rectum and is an important way to find cancer early. Unfortunately, the process for a colonoscopy is not a fun one and requires you to clean out your bowels completely in the lead up to the exam, which consists of the colonoscope being inserted through the rectum. Fortunately, the exam is only needed once every ten years if no cancerous growths are found in the initial one.

Cholesterol Check

You should begin having this test regularly long before turning fifty,but past that age it becomes even more important to stay on top of and aware of. A cholesterol test checks your cholesterol levels, including finding the levels you possess for each of the types of cholesterol. The most important part of this is making sure you don’t have unhealthy levels of the bad forms of cholesterol, which can cause heart disease or strokes if high enough. This test is one that can be dreaded much less than the colonoscopy since it only requires a blood sample to be sent to a lab for testing. You should get this test once every five years if results retum with healthy levels of cholesterol. Eve Exam – Vision only worsens with age, and oftentimes it is hard to recognize that your vision has gradually worsened over a period of time, so getting routine eye exams is an important part of life once you reach fifty and over. Additionally, eye conditions tend to occur more commonly with age, so eye exams are a useful way to annually check for if a ny have developed. Eye exams depend on the examiner, but almost always involve testing your vision, examining for any signs of a condition developing, and checking for coordination. Most people are alright with an eye exam once every one or two years, but you should default to the recommendation of your optometrist as it depends on each person.

 Prostate Specific Antigen Test

Once men reach over the age of 50 one of the mostimportant health conditions to monitor is the development of prostate cancer, which is one of the most dangerous diseases for men in that age range. PSA tests check a protein produced by prostates to determine if there is any presence of cancerous cells. The test is a simple blood test, but it is not uncommon for these tests to produce inconclusive results which may require a rectal exam. If your results come back as desired, you will likely be able to wait until 60 before having to take another test.

Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Tests

While these are two separate tests, they go hand in hand with each other as tests relating to important factors within your blood. The first is a blood sugar screening. Blood sugar screening should be done once you turn 45. High levels of blood sugar can indicate diabetes, as well as the potential for other risk factors to develop. This makes it important to stay on top of. The test is done by fasting for eight hours prior to the exam before having your blood drawn. Blood sugar tests only need to be done once every three years if results come back positive. Blood pressure screenings are arguably the more important of the two and should begin regularly once you tum 50, although they are done at virtually every annual checkup throughout life. These tests monitor your blood pressure to make sure they are not dangerously high as that can lead to an increased risk of fatal heart attacks and strokes. These tests don’t require inserting a probe or drawing blood. A cuff is placed around the arm before your examiner will begin tightening it to cut off the circulation in your arm. This test will be completed yearly at your annual checkup.

Healthy Aging and Cognitive Decline

Everyone ages, and with that comes wisdom and experience, but also some scary realities for many people. Near, or at the top of the list of harsh realities is cognitive decline. Cognitive decline happens naturally, as well as a result of some age related diseases, and to different extents for person to person.

Understanding Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline is the worsening of brain functions, which most commonly takes the form of increased confusion and memory loss. It can be scary to deal with and heartbreaking to watch happen to loved ones, even if it is a natural part of life, so a natural desire is to know more about what can make it worse and how it can be slowed down. It may come as a surprise, but one thing that has connections with cognitive decline is our personality traits. In this blog post, we’ll explore what exactly is meant with personality traits, as well as how they connect to cognitive decline and what can be done with them to help slow it down. 

What are Personality Traits?

Now, this may seem like a silly question. After all, we all know what a personality trait is, and we all have a multitude of personality traits. In official terms, our personality traits are the internal characteristics that remain consistent within us and are able to explain why a person makes the actions they make. Personality traits can even be used predictively as a way to anticipate future actions and reactions a person may have in a situation. There are five primary personality traits: agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness. Agreeableness relates to how helpful and kind a person is, conscientiousness is about a person’s discipline and organization, extraversion correlates with friendliness and how outgoing someone is, neuroticism is anxiousness, and openness pertains to a person’s level of curiosity and perceptiveness. With all of these, these traits exist on a gradient and interrelate with one another to form the unique mixture that makes each and every person unique. 

How do Personality Traits Relate to Cognitive Decline?

While the connection may not seem obvious, personality traits can have a major impact on numerous aspects of health, including physical well-being. However, for the sake of this article, we’ll only be covering its connection with cognitive decline. Simply put, the way our personality traits make us think can cause our cognitive health to be better or worse. Studies have shown that having low levels of conscientiousness and high levels of neuroticism can have a dramatic effect on cognitive health and decline, in a negative way. For people who fall under this umbrella, these traits can increase the likelihood and rate of cognitive decline, as well as give them an increased chance of developing Dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Of course, with information that can be quite stressful it would be wrong to give it without some positive news. While personality traits don’t usually change on their own, they aren’t set in stone and can be lessened through conscious effort. Going to therapy to help address issues with neuroticism, developing the habit of thinking in a positive, goal-oriented way, and increasing cognitive flexibility through mental exercises or mediation are all ways that can help lessen the degree to which you have neuroticism and low conscientiousness. This in turn can lower your risk of developing cognitive decline and associated conditions.

Aging at Home with Physical Therapy or Outpatient Physical Therapy

Do you have trouble walking? You need to try out gait and balance training which is physical therapy that is designed to improve your walking. Gait and balance training have many benefits including retraining the legs and developing muscle memory, building strength in affected muscles and joints, improving balance, improving posture, building endurance, increasing mobility, and reducing fall risk. Gait and balance training can help several different people, especially those who have experienced physical trauma perhaps due to a recent fall or a chronic illness. If you have experienced a stroke, a spinal cord injury, a hip or knee replacement, an amputation, a neurological disorder, or a musculoskeletal disorder, gait and balance training may be best suited for you. 

Gait Training Increasing Mobility and Safety at Home

So, what is gait training and how does it work? Gait training comes in several forms and is customized to the patient that the physical therapist is dealing with. The therapist may use machines or provide manual assistance to help you walk. The type of workouts and length of treatment will depend on your condition and situation. You may use a treadmill so that you can hold on to the railings with a safe ‘off’ button in case of an emergency. Physical therapists are by your side as you start your road to recovery. Another use of gait training is the parallel bars. You will hold on to the bars while you try and regain your muscle memory on how to walk. Your trainer will either provide manual assistance by picking up your legs, or they will guide you down the path with verbal encouragement. 

Weight Gain and Mobility

If you fall under the obese category, trainers might have you use a body-weight support system for your gait training sessions. The body-weight support systems are harnesses that wrap around your waist and connect to a central suspension system. The machine is designed to ease your way back into walking without carrying all your weight. Each session you will gradually have less resistance to make it more challenging and prepare you for the real world. This machine is also useful for people that have had spinal cord injuries.

 If you have balance issues when walking, balance training will be recommended by the physical therapist. Balance training will help if you are at risk for falling or have fallen in the past, have weak muscles or limited mobility, have trouble walking or being steady when you stand, or have sensory issues. Balance training is part of physical or occupational therapy and will incorporate many different basic exercises to minimize your risk moving forward.    Be sure to speak to your medical provider at Jupiter Internal Medicine today about getting back on your feet through gait and balance training. Take the first step towards a full recovery.

What Patients Need to Know About Vaccines

Protection from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. With age, adults need immunizations too, not just children. According to the CDC, below are what vaccines you need depending on your age, gender, health condition, and some other circumstances.

Vaccines for Young Adults Age 19 to 26 Years

Young Adults ages 19-26: The CDC recommends young adults have the seasonal flu vaccine every year, as well as your Td or Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). You also need the HPV vaccine (protects against of human papillomaviruses that causes cervical, anal, and other cancers). There may be other vaccine shots that you need for your employer or school requirements. For example, this coming Fall, it is required in many universities to have the COVID-19 vaccine in order to live on campus and attend classes.

Vaccines for Adults Age 50 Years and Older

• You need to receive the shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and the complications that come with it. 1 in 3 Americans over 60 years old develop the shingles in their lifetime.
• You also need the PPSV23 shot (Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine), which protects against diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections.
• You need the PCV13 shot (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), which protects you against pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Pneumonia becomes more dangerous as you age, so it is imperative that you receive this vaccine.

Adults with Underlining Health Conditions

• Adults with health conditions
• All adults need the flu shot
• Talk to your doctor about which vaccine shots you should take depending on what health conditions you have.
• Pregnant Women
• If you are pregnant, you need two vaccines during each pregnancy:
• Tdap vaccine to help protect against the whooping cough
• Flu shot to help protect against influenzas
• You may need more vaccines. Talk to your doctor about a specific plan for you and your pregnancy.

Healthcare Workers

• Flu shot
• Hepatitis B: if you don’t have evidence of a completed hepB vaccine series, or you don’t have an up-to-date blood test that shows that you are immune to hepatitis B, then you need to get the 3-dose series. Talk to your doctor and go over what you need.
• MMR: If you were born in 1957 or later and you haven’t received the MMR vaccine, you need 2 doses to protect yourself from the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
• Varicella: This is the chickenpox vaccine, which is required for all healthcare workers
• Meningococcal: One dose.

International Travelers

Up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations. Find out which vaccines you need based on the “Vaccine Self-Assessment Tool” on the CDC website.

Immigrants and Refugees

• Refugees and immigrants need to get all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).