As you prepare to become a grandparent, you may wonder what steps you can take to ensure the safety of your future grandchildren. One important step is to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Newborns and young infants have not yet developed a mature immune system, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Here is a list of vaccinations you will need as a grandparent.
1. Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine helps protect you from shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. While Medicare Part A and B may not cover the vaccine, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D may cover some or all of the costs. You can learn more about the early symptoms of shingles here.
Why it's important: Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the risk increases as you get older. Shingles infections can be more serious in older adults. Children can also get chickenpox from someone who has shingles, which can be especially dangerous for infants.
When to get it: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a two-dose shingles vaccine for adults over the age of 50, regardless of whether they remember having chickenpox.
How long before you see your grandchild: Shingles can only spread when a blister rash is present and has not yet formed a crust. Unless you have an active rash, you typically do not need to wait to see your grandchildren after you get your vaccine. However, if you are unsure if your shingles rash is active, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before spending time around young children.
2. Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects you against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). While you may have received these vaccines as a child, immunity fades over time. The Tdap vaccine is a booster shot that can help protect you and your grandchildren from these serious diseases.
Why it's important: Tetanus and diphtheria are rare in the United States, but vaccines are still necessary to ensure they stay rare. Pertussis, on the other hand, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be very serious for young infants.
When to get it: The CDC recommends a single dose of the Tdap vaccine in place of your next tetanus and diphtheria booster shot, which is typically given every 10 years. The CDC also states that the Tdap shot is especially important for anyone who will be in close contact with an infant under the age of 12 months.
How long before you see your grandchild: The CDC recommends getting the Tdap vaccine at least 2 weeks before having contact with an infant.
3. MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects you against measles, mumps, and rubella. While you may have received the MMR vaccine as a child, immunity can fade over time.
Why it's important: Measles, mumps, and rubella are all highly contagious diseases that can be spread through coughing and sneezing. These diseases can be serious, especially for young children.
When to get it: The CDC recommends that people born after 1957 who are not immune to measles get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. A blood test can check your immunity level.
How long before you see your grandchild: If you are unsure how long you should wait after getting the MMR vaccine before seeing young children, talk to your healthcare professional.
4. Flu Vaccine
It is important to get a flu vaccine every year, especially if you will be around newborns and young children.
Why it's important: Getting a flu vaccine can help protect you from complications of the flu, which can be especially dangerous for older adults and young children.
When to get it: The CDC recommends that all adults get a flu vaccine every flu season, which typically occurs from October to May.
How long before you see your grandchild: There is no waiting period after getting the flu vaccine before seeing young children. However, if you start to experience any cold or flu symptoms, it is best to avoid close contact with young children until you are feeling better.
5. Pneumonia Vaccine
The pneumonia vaccine, also known as the pneumococcal vaccine, helps protect you from pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
Why it's important: Pneumococcal pneumonia can be especially serious for older adults and young children.
When to get it: The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 65 get one dose of each of the two types of pneumococcal vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine may also be recommended for younger adults with certain health conditions.
How long before you see your grandchild: Talk to your healthcare professional about how long you should wait after getting the pneumococcal vaccine before
