Male Vaccinations
Male vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect you, your family, and community from potentially harmful diseases. While every medical procedure has risks, we feel that the benefits of vaccines strongly outweigh the risks of contracting one of the diseases they prevent. Additionally, side effects are usually very mild like soreness and severe side effects are very rare.
We recommend that men get certain vaccines to stay healthy. Although we do not require that adult men receive all the CDC recommended vaccines at our practice, we strongly encourage them. We will regularly go over the recommended vaccinations with our patients to ensure they are up to date and staying healthy.
We can administer any vaccines at your wellness check or you can make a separate appointment. Below are important vaccines for men to consider. Please feel free to let us know your concerns about vaccinations by giving us a call at (574) 251-1200 or contacting us online.
Flu Vaccine
The flu is a common respiratory illness that spreads quickly in the fall and winter months. As our body’s age, the flu can become a more serious illness. Primary Care Partners of South Bend recommends that men receive this vaccine each year to protect themselves from the flu. Importantly, flu shots are especially beneficial to men with weakened immune systems.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Any man above 65, active smokers, and men with COPD, diabetes, or asthma should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects the body from diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection that causes inflammation in the spinal cord and brain membranes. Because it is spread easier when living in close quarters with others, it becomes more common in men who live in college or military dorms. For this reason, it is important for men to get this vaccine around the ages of 16-21.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccination has 2 to 3 doses. We can give the first dose around 11 years old and the second dose 6-12 months after. However, if you receive the first vaccine after you turn 15, you may need 3 doses. We recommend all men get the HPV vaccine. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, younger people receive the vaccine because it works best if you have not yet been exposed to HPV. If you have not had the HPV vaccine, call Primary Care Partners of South Bend to schedule your appointment.
Varicella and Shingles Vaccines
Varicella, or chicken pox, is an itchy and uncomfortable rash that can spread throughout the body. Shingles is a similar condition found more often in men over 60. Chicken pox and shingles are extremely common in the United States, so we recommended that everyone who has never had the disease receive the vaccination. Although similar, 2 different vaccinations are necessary to protect against both diseases. Even if you have had chickenpox, you can benefit from a shingles vaccine.
TD Vaccine
The Td vaccine is a tetanus booster shot. Tetanus can enter the body through cuts and wounds and cause painful stiffening to the muscles. Adults should receive this vaccine every ten years or after a severe wound or burn. Therefore, if you have not received a Td vaccine or have a serious wound, call Primary Care Partners of South Bend to schedule your appointment.
Vaccines for Travel
When traveling for work or pleasure, it is important for male travelers and healthcare workers to receive Hepatitis A and B vaccines. You may also need other vaccines depending on where you are traveling. For example, yellow fever is not a threat in Indiana, but in some travel destinations, it may be. The CDC provides a list of recommended vaccinations for each country. If you are traveling outside the country, contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend to learn how to best protect yourself on your trip.
If you have not received your male vaccinations recently, or want to start vaccinating against these diseases, give us a call at (574) 251-1200.
