In an effort to keep ourselves, loved ones, and communities safe, social distancing has been a top goal for months. On top of that, our healthcare professionals have revamped up their operations to protect their patients and prepare for an influx of COVID-19 patients.

The combination of these safety measures led to missed checkups with doctors and visits to the pharmacy—resulting in missed vaccinations.

With new safety measures in place, patients are encouraged to catch up on their vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following reasons to get your vaccination from your doctor or pharmacist.

You May Be at Risk for Serious Disease

Every year, thousands of adults in the U.S. become seriously ill and are hospitalized because of diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Many adults even die from these diseases. By getting vaccinated, you can help protect yourself from much of this unnecessary suffering.

You Can Protect Yourself & Loved Ones from Disease

Vaccines can lower your chance of getting certain diseases. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to help you safely develop immunity to disease. This lowers your chance of getting certain diseases and suffering from their complications. For instance, the:

• Hepatitis B vaccine lowers your risk of liver cancer
• HPV vaccine lowers your risk of cervical cancer
• Flu vaccine lowers your risk of flu-related heart attacks or other flu-related complications from existing health conditions, like diabetes and chronic lung disease

You Can’t Afford to Get Sick

You have a busy life and too much responsibility to risk getting sick. Vaccines can help you stay healthy so you don’t miss work. If you can avoid getting sick, you will have more time for your family, friends, and hobbies.

Getting your recommended vaccines can give you some peace of mind. You will have the best possible protection available against a number of serious diseases.