How to Take Booster Shots
With measles, mumps and other previously eradicated diseases returning, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated on time, especially if you are an adult . Herd immunity protects the most vulnerable of us; Getting vaccinated against whooping cough may not pose much of a threat to you, but it can seriously harm a child or immunocompromised elderly person.
Unfortunately, many healthy adults are unaware of their vaccination status. As we age, move, change doctors, lose or gain health coverage, our complete medical records do not always come with us. This information can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth it. Here’s how to make sure you protect yourself and, more importantly, those around you.
Determine which shots you need
You can’t keep taking your vaccines if you don’t know which ones you need, and for adults, this information can be difficult to find. There are government vaccination registries , but infants and school-aged children are primarily allocated. Your doctor may ask for your complete medical history – and you can – but according to the CDC, most vaccination records are only kept for a specific amount of time. In fact, finding adult vaccination records is such a headache that the CDC ‘s advice includes tips such as “flip through children’s books” and “contact previous employers who may have needed vaccinations.”
The good news is that healthy adults have nothing to worry about: accidental dose overlaps are only a problem if your immune system can’t handle it. If you haven’t received the MMR vaccine since high school or can’t remember your last tetanus shot, you can simply request the shots you want. If you are in good health, most healthcare professionals will happily provide them for you.
People with certain medical conditions, especially those that weaken the immune system, need to be more careful. In these cases, titer analysis can help. Titration tests measure the concentration of disease-specific antibodies in your blood, which will tell you if you really need another dose of a particular vaccine. Unfortunately, titers only measure one antibody at a time – and depending on your insurance situation, even one test can be prohibitively expensive.
While anyone can ask for a titer, Washington, D.C. physician Dr. James Ellsey told me that they are usually for people who might react badly to an untimely dose. He specifically mentioned pregnancy as a condition that could lead to titer prescription, but HIV, diabetes and kidney failure, among others, could affect your eligibility for vaccination. Table 2 of the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule Guidelines outlines specific recommendations based on medical conditions, but as always, check with a doctor who knows your medical history whenever possible.
Check with your insurance
In most cases, your health insurance is unlikely to block your access to the vaccine. By law, private insurance plans must cover the cost of most vaccinations, even for adults ; it’s the same with Medicare. On the other hand, health care – that’s another story: while most states cover all major vaccines for adults, some do not, and many of them are in any way limit the scope. Just in case, it’s best to check your insurance before making an appointment.
Find out where to get vaccinated
The next step is to find a place where you can take the desired shots. Your PCP is always a great place to start, especially if you have any of the conditions listed in the CDC handbook. But if you’re not insured or don’t have a family doctor you trust , don’t worry – you still have options.
Pharmacy
For low-risk vaccines such as flu and tetanus, you can often go straight to the pharmacy and ask for a shot. However, just like with a pharmacist-prescribed birth control, your state may or may not permit distribution of certain vaccines at the pharmacy. Always call ahead to make sure they have the vaccine you need and double check if they are actually allowed to give it.
Health Departments
State and local health departments can provide you with information about relevant state laws and where to find free or low-cost immunizations. They can also help you find vaccination records. If you are unsure of how to contact your local health department, use this CDC list to get started.
Federally funded health centers
In addition to state and local health departments, there is a national network of federally funded clinics that provide free or low-cost vaccines to the public, including those without health insurance. Use this Department of Health and Human Services tool to find an office near you.
Store (and update) your own records
Since official vaccination records are not always available when you need them, a little private record can be extremely helpful. When you receive the boosters, be sure to write down the details in an easily accessible place. You can even set a calendar reminder for the next dose if you want – so you never fall behind again.