Immunizations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Immunizations, or vaccines, have been incredible medical advancements that help protect us against a myriad of diseases. While it’s common to receive vaccinations during infancy, there are a few that adults should also keep in mind.

Each fall, it’s recommended to get both the annual flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster. Anyone can get these immunizations, but they are especially recommended for older adults who are prone to more severe symptoms. Two other vaccines recommended for older adults include RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and the shingles vaccine; shingles occurs in older adults who were once infected with varicella (chickenpox). Chickenpox now has a routine vaccination for infants, so shingles is primarily a concern for older adults. 

The TDAP vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) requires boosters for adults every 10 years. 

Historically, vaccines have benefited the health of the LGBTQ community. Lesbians and bisexual women are at an increased risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV, and HPV vaccine is very effective at protecting people from cancer-causing strains of the virus. You can receive the HPV vaccine between the ages of 11 and 26. In addition, an Mpox (or “monkey pox”) outbreak in the US was quickly controlled in the summer of 2022 due to the accessibility of a vaccine which also protects against smallpox.

Some vaccinations are only recommended to adults if you travel internationally. When travelling abroad, be sure to research which vaccinations are recommended for you. 

The Cortland LGBTQ Center is also now an Immunization Ambassador Organization, as part of the Immunization Ambassador program from the Cortland County Health Department. We’re one of many local organizations that can serve as trusted sources of information for community members who have questions about vaccines and immunizations.