Parents are likely familiar with vaccination schedules for school, activities and sports but getting immunized should be a life-long endeavor.

Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, this is generally true, except that:

• Some adults were never vaccinated as children;
• Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children;
• Immunity can fade over time;
• As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections, such as flu and pneumococcus.

The CDC recommends at least one dose of Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (MMR) for people born in 1957 or later. A Varicella or Chickenpox vaccine is recommended for those who have never had chickenpox or who were vaccinated but received only one dose. The Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for college students who live in dormitories and for people with certain medical conditions.

Vaccinations are among the many preventive care measures covered under most health insurance plans for children and adults. If you have questions about how immunizations and other preventive care options are covered under your health insurance plan, contact your representative at The Starr Group, 414-421-3800.

Links for Immunization Schedules for Children, Teens and Adults:
Centers for Disease Control – www.cdc.gov
Immunization Action Coalition – www.vaccineinformation.org
www.immunize.org