With back-to-school already being promoted in every store from Office Depot to Target, it’s a good time to remind parents that munchkins are required to have their vaccinations for a number of communicable diseases (polio, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella aka chickenpox, and hepatitis A) before attending schools (Kindergarten through 12th).
As for wee ones attending day care in Texas, they must be vaccinated for three more communicable diseases (haemophilus, influenzae type b and invasive pneumococcal).
And speaking of chickenpox, in days of yore when one child came down with chickenpox, measles or mumps, it was no surprise to have friends bring their youngsters over to catch the disease and get it over with. Ah, but thanks to research, vaccinations were developed to prevent children from having to suffer through the pain.
Unfortunately, many baby boomers who did have a case of chickenpox are now facing the reality that they are susceptible to suffering from shingles. It’s a painful, ugly disease. Until you’ve had it, you’ve never experienced the true purity of pain.
Again, thanks to research, a vaccine (Zostavax) has been developed that will reduce “the course and severity” of the disease. It’s become such a hottie among the boomers that it’s even available at the Preston Road Pharmacy, Tom Thumb and Walgreens!
If you’re over 60, you do not need a prescription. However, if you’re still a baby-baby boomer, then your doctor will have to provide you with a script.
And one more thing. It ain’t cheap ($215 at the Tom Thumb in Old Town) and not all insurance plans cover it. But just ask anyone who has had a bout of shingles and they’ll tell you they only wish they had spent the dough.
Once again thanks to fundraising, vaccinations have been developed to help both the very young and old.
