Advanced Family Medicine

Why Get Vaccinations? Tetanus In the office we see many parents refusing to vaccinate their kids. We understand that vaccinations have a certain stigma, but we want to protect the health of children, and as a result we spend a lot of the time explaining to parents the importance of vaccinations. One particular vaccination that is of utmost importance is a tetanus shot. What is Tetanus and why is it so important? Tetanus is a serious infection of central nervous system, caused by the potentially deadly bacteria Clostridium Tetani. This bacteria causes muscle stiffness and spasms; these spasms can be so violent that they can tear muscle and cause fractures of the spine. Tetanus is caused by exposure to bacteria that lives in the soil, it can be found around the world, and can remain infectious for more then 40 years in the soil. They primary means of transmission are through a cut, scrape or burn that are subsequently exposed to the bacteria either by contact with the soil ...

Immunizations – Myth and Reality Nothing can instill fear like a hypodermic needle in the hands of a nurse. Many of us have memories as children of getting shots at the doctor’s office, and then walking out with a cool Disney band-aid and a sucker, but not many want to relive those memories. But there are many advantages to getting immunizations as an adult, this is a myth we want to dispel, because we believe that not only are immunizations important, they can decrease your chances of contracting some rather nasty afflictions. Myth: Only children need immunizations. Reality: (from CDC recommendations) There are several important immunizations recommended for older adults: Influenza – get this every year, your employer probably will even pay for it! Zoster (shingles vaccinations) – now recommended after age 55 (before it was after age 60). You can get this vaccine at your local drug store. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) – once, then get a Td booster every 10 ...