According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/index.html)we need vaccines throughout our lives because the immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time, and we are at risk of different diseases as an adult. They recommend that all adults should take the influuenza vaccine annually , and the Td or Tdap vaccine. Other vaccines might be needed too; please discuss with our Family Physician to know which vaccines you might need as an adult.

There are age and sex specific recommendations for vaccines against various diseases. The CDC offers a Schedule for adults over 19 years of age (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html)(which was used for the information on adult vaccines given above). It is advisable that you discuss with your Family Physician to understand which vaccine you need to take when.

While vaccines are the safest way to prevent diseases, vaccines may be contra-indicated for some medical conditions. So it is very advisable that you discuss your vaccination options with your Family Physician before you take any adult vaccines.

Adult vaccination is not generally recommended for the following: • Patients with immunocompromising conditions (e.g., patients on steroids, cancer treatment, etc.) • Any patient who has any of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, running nose, loss of the sense of taste or smell, or diarrhea. • Patients who are allergic to egg proteins or to previous vaccinations; • Patients born before 1957 (please consult your doctor for further information); • Women of child-bearing age who could become pregnant within three months. • Pregnant women. However, your doctor would be the best person to decide if and when you should take a particular vaccine

It is strongly recommended that you have a full consultation with your doctor to decide which vaccinations you need, taking into consideration your age, sex and current medical conditon. Once you decide on the vaccines, you should follow the instructions of the doctor and ensure that you do not miss out any second or booster doses which would have to be taken during a specific time frame. It is also very advisable that your remain at your vaccination centre for at least 30 minutes after your vaccination to ensure that you do not have any allergic reaction to the vaccines. You should also remember that there could be mild fever or body ache within 12-24 hours of the vaccination. This will most probably resolve by itself within a few days. However, if your fever or body ache persisits after a few days, please do contact your doctor. Do check with your doctor if you need any medication immediately after your vaccination.

We will be able to give you any vaccination you may need, which you have decided in consultation with your doctor. However, it is best that you book an appointment before you come for vaccination to make sure that you will get your prescribed vaccination on the date and time you would like to get it. Also please note that it is mandatory to have a prescription from the doctor for any adult vaccination, whether it is your personal doctor or a doctor from Spring Garden Clinic.

It is always advisable to consult your doctor before you take an adult vaccination, especially if you are over 40. Moreover, vaccinations will be done only with a valid presciption; so a doctor consultation would become inevitable.