Current Issue·Archives·Upcoming Events·Research Studies·UPMC Perks·Submit a Story

June 5, 2009

The benefits of preventive care

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That wisdom continues to hold true today. As health care costs continue to rise, more attention is being placed on preventing disease. One proven prevention method is immunization. 

While we typically receive most immunizations or vaccinations when we are very young, doctors recommend we receive a variety throughout our adult lives. Not only do they protect us from getting sick, they help prevent us from passing infections on to others, and it is less expensive to prevent an illness than to treat it.

A few common vaccinations include the influenza (flu) vaccine, administered annually beginning at age 6 months; the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, administered to girls/women age 11 to 26 in three doses; the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine, administered to men and women age 60 or older; and the pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV) vaccine, generally administered to men and women age 65 or older.

To view a complete schedule* of preventive and immunization guidelines for children and adults, visit the UPMC Health Plan website.  Take steps today to protect your health tomorrow.

*Types and schedules for immunizations vary, and you should discuss your immunization options with your health care provider. Depending on your age and health history, your health care provider can assist you in determining the best plan for preventive care needs. Certain vaccinations are required when traveling abroad or starting school (kindergarten or college). Be sure to discuss these plans with your health care provider as well.

Common vaccinations:

Influenza (flu)

 

When you should get vaccinated:

Annually, beginning at 6 months of age.

Why you should get vaccinated:

The flu is a contagious virus. Adults should continue to receive this vaccine yearly, especially those who are pregnant; work in health care facilities; have asthma, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease; or whose immune system may be weakened. Coughing and sneezing by the infected person usually spreads this virus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 

When you should get vaccinated:

Females 11-26 years old (three doses)

Why you should get vaccinated:

The most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S., genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection does not cause any symptoms and requires medical treatment. It has been known to cause cervical cancer in women.

Herpes zoster (Shingles)

  

When you should get vaccinated:

Age 60 or older

Why you should get vaccinated:

The signs of shingles can include pain, itching, or tingling of the skin as well as a painful skin rash. It is not usually spread through direct contact.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV)

  

When you should get vaccinated:

Age 65 or older

Why you should get vaccinated:

Caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), blood, and the covering of the brain (meningitis).  It is usually spread through coughing or sneezing.

Return to list of stories in this issue