Your Stay-Well Checklist

Routine vaxxes prevent illness, yet you may not remember the last time you had one. Arm yourself with info.

- AMY WILKINSON

It’s probably one of your earliest memories of visiting the doctor’s office: hopping onto that crinkly paper-covered table, rolling up your sleeve and receiving a prick in the arm. (Hey, at least you got a lollipop out of the ordeal!) Routine vaccines are, no doubt, an important part of childhood check-ups, but the need for them doesn’t disappear on your 18th birthday.

“The reasons we vaccinate kids should be the same reasons adults maintain a vaccine schedule,” says internal medical specialist Dr Marianne Sumego. “We’re trying to prevent diseases, we’re trying to reduce severity of diseases and we’re trying to protect our loved ones.”

To be clear, we’re not talking simply about Covid-19 or influenza vaccines (though those are important). We’re talking about shots for diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. And if the last time you were boosted was in your late teens, you’re probably overdue. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you with this guide.

Do You Have an Immunity Gap?

Most of us assume we have all the shots we need from childhood, but unless you’ve taken a good look at your immunisation records from way back when, you can’t know for sure. Additionally, immunity may weaken over time, leaving you (or loved ones) potentially vulnerable.