Inoculations

Preventive medicine is being advocated more and more as the way to go with medical care here in the United States. In addition to regular, or "well," visits to physicians and dentists, an important aspect of preventive medicine is the administration of inoculations. In some situations, inoculations may even be required by law, as in the case of young children.

Children

In the U.S., all children are required by law to have received the necessary shots prior to attending school. These shots, which should be given at specific intervals, can be administered by a doctor's staff during "well' visits. Many state health departments offer these shots free or at minimal cost. These health departments can be contacted by telephone, and their numbers are listed in the state government section of the phone book (the blue pages).

Flu shots

Another worthwhile inoculation available at minimal cost is that for influenza. This shot is good for anyone, but especially so for older individuals or those whose health is compromised. Flu shots are available every autumn at a variety of venues, such as traveling clinics sponsored by various health organizations, as well as from your own doctor. If you value the safeguard of being inoculated against influenza, it is important to receive a new shot every year. The types, or strains, of flu change from year to year, and the sera contained in the shots are reformulated accordingly.

Accidents or exposure to disease

Occasionally, a mishap will dictate the need for an inoculation. An example of this is the need to receive a tetanus booster shot after receiving a puncture wound or after being cut or lacerated by a something with rust on it. Or, if you are significantly exposed to a highly contagious disease, such as hepatitis (for which you will receive a gamma globulin shot), an inoculation may be required. Shots of this kind are typically administered by your doctor, or can be received at most walk-in clinics.

Animal bites

Most local or county governments require that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Either wild animals, (such as raccoons, foxes, opossums, or mice and rats), or stray dogs or cats that may have had contact with these animals and that have not been inoculated can be carriers of rabies, a very serious and often fatal disease. If an animal you are not familiar with bites you, it is absolutely imperative to contact Animal Services, usually a branch of the police or sheriff's department (in the local or county government section of your phone book, "the blue pages"). They will try to catch the animal and test it for rabies. If they are not successful, or if the animal is infected, you must undergo a series of shots to prevent contracting the disease.