It’s probably one of your earliest memories of visiting the doctor’s office: hopping onto that crinkly paper-covered table, rolling up your sleeve and receiving a prick in the arm. (Hey, at least you got a lollipop out of the ordeal!) Routine vaccines are, no doubt, an important part of childhood check-ups, but the need for them doesn’t disappear on your 18th birthday.
“The reasons we vaccinate kids should be the same reasons adults maintain a vaccine schedule,” says internal medical specialist Dr Marianne Sumego. “We’re trying to prevent diseases, we’re trying to reduce severity of diseases and we’re trying to protect our loved ones.”
To be clear, we’re not talking simply about Covid-19 or influenza vaccines (though those are important). We’re talking about shots for diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. And if the last time you were boosted was in your late teens, you’re probably overdue. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you with this guide.
Do You Have an Immunity Gap?
Most of us assume we have all the shots we need from childhood, but unless you’ve taken a good look at your immunisation records from way back when, you can’t know for sure. Additionally, immunity may weaken over time, leaving you (or loved ones) potentially vulnerable.
This story is from the January - February 2023 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
This story is from the January - February 2023 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign in
TIME is EVERYTHING
WHETHER YOU'RE A BEGINNER OR AN ASPIRING PRO, YOU CAN SLOW DOWN STRENGTH MOVEMENTS TO FAST-TRACK YOUR GAINS. MAKE EVERY SECOND COUNT WITH OUR TEMPO-TRAINING PRIMER.
CRACKING THE CODE
After years of yo-yo dieting, Angelique Daubermann (a.ka. The Lean Girl) has built a veritable empire sharing the simple hacks and science-backed secrets to weight loss that led to the toned bod you see here. Read on for a glimpse behind the gram.
love + life Boundaries Under Construction
Boundaries those personal Ts and Cs are key components of good mental health. But shoddy workmanship or improper maintenance can see them crumble. This is your flat-box guide.
Find Your Happy Pace
If the constant pursuit of more, more, more has left you totally tapped out, know that you can seek contentment while still striving. Here's exactly how.
Redefining Failure
Unhappy with an aspect of your life yet feel as if you really *shouldn't* be bummed about it? Let's explore and resolve this current Catch-22.
VICKY VAN DER MERWE
Veteran elite triathlete Vicky van der Merwe clues us in on finding her North Star and letting it guide her through the wins and losses of life.
Tall Order
Pursuing a better posture, once among the buzziest of movement goals, has fallen down the list of priorities of late - at precisely the time when you need it most. But with a little guidance, you can stand tall once again.
How To Get Your Sweat On (when you really don't want to)
There are times, no matter your motivation, end goal or superpower, when the hardest exercise is lifting your bum off the couch. That's why we've constructed fail-safe contingency plans for seven of the most common cop-outs. Here endeth the excuses...
Supporting Your Partner Through Erectile Dysfunction
First things first: Assure him that ED is common, treatable and that you’re going nowhere.
All About Juicing
Get in on the benefits of juicing, an effective way to nourish thy bod
Reducing Your Health Risks With Vaccines
Vaccines are one of the best ways to reduce your risk of illness and the spread of disease. Serious research has gone into making vaccines that are safe, efficient and effective for all ages.
National Infant Immunization Week
Many have received immunizations throughout their lifetime, but it’s often taken for granted how much of an impact these vaccines have on the lives of those in our communities, counties, state and even country. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County recognizes April 24-May1 as National Infant Immunization Week. This is an annual observance promoting the benefits of immunizations for children from birth to age 2.
7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS
With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.
The Vaccination Question
Doctor Explains Why Immunizations Are So Critical, Even During Pandemic
The Great Race of Mercy
TRACKING DIPHTHERIA FROM NOME, ALASKA, TO TODAY.
Diphtheria reported at hotel housing asylum seekers
Several asylum seekers in a hotel in the Humber region have tested positive for the highly contagious disease diphtheria. The government was warned at the start of October about the spread of the illness among migrants in crowded settings by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Migrants who show diphtheria symptoms will be sent to isolation
Asylum seekers showing diphtheria symptoms will be held in \"secure isolation hotels\" similar to those used during the Covid pandemic, a minister said yesterday.
Dozens of asylum seekers with diphtheria 'moved from Manston to hotels’
Migrants held at the centre in Kent have been relocated in recent weeks
Death at migrant centre 'may have been diphtheria'
A man’s death at the Manston migrant-processing centre might have been caused by diphtheria after an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial infection, the Home Office has said.
Manston asylum seekers get diphtheria jabs as cases rise
Asylum seekers at the Manston processing centre will be vaccinated against diphtheria, health authorities have said. A number of cases of the highly contagious disease have been confirmed at the site in Kent, where concerns have been raised over living conditions and overcrowding.