Keeping up-to-date on vaccines as fall approaches

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Doctors say August is the right time to get up-to-date on your vaccines, especially now that kids are back in school for the fall.

It’s not just kids who need their vaccines this fall, either.

For everyone, it’s a time to think about making sure you’re updated with your flu and COVID vaccines.

Depending on your age, you may need other shots too.

“If you’re greater than 50 years of age, we recommend the shingles vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine,” said Dr. Jaren Trost, of Optum New Mexico.

Doctors, like Trost, say this is all about prevention. Routine vaccinations during childhood and adolescence can prevent diseases like measles polio and shingles that were once very common.

“Many of these diseases can get severe and cause days to weeks in the hospital. It’s such a simple prevention tactic of getting a vaccine,” Dr. Trost said.

Doctors say it’s important to talk with your medical physician about what vaccines are best for you this fall.

One way to know what shots you and/or your child have already received, you can visit VaxViewNM.org.

To make it easier to get your kids vaccinated, NMDOH and its partners are hosting the annual “Got Shots?” events across New Mexico.

Participating clinics and medical practices will offer no-cost back-to-school immunizations until August 31. Children, ages 18 and under, no matter who they are, are eligible.

For more information on Got Shots? Click here.