You should get the Tdap vaccination every 10 years. It protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). This is especially important now because of recent outbreaks of whooping cough among adolescents and young adults.

If you are not in a monogamous long-term relationship, get the Hepatitis B vaccine to protect against this sexually transmitted liver disease.

Also, the new shingles vaccine has been approved by the FDA. Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus. The vaccine is recommended for everyone age 60 and older—except those with weakened immune systems.

The pneumococcal vaccine prevents pneumococcal pneumonia. Everyone aged 65 and older as well as younger people with heart or lung disease or compromised immune systems, should get this vaccination.

An annual flu shot is recommended for people over age 50 and younger adults with diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, heart or lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

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