Community Corner

Adults Need Immunizations, Too

Internal Medicine/Geriatrics Physician to Host Talk Sept. 30 on Importance of Vaccinations.

By Tracy Simons

Flu season is quickly approaching.  While many of us are making plans to get vaccinated, we should be talking with a physician to determine if it’s time to update our other immunizations as well.

“Immunizations are not just for kids,” says Dr. Ramaraja Yalavarthi, internal medicine and geriatrics physician on staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.  “Regardless of age, we all need immunizations to keep us healthy. With time, immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off and you may be at risk for new and different diseases.”

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The vaccines adult’s need depend on everything from age and lifestyle to high-riskmedical conditions, travel plans, and which shots you’ve had in the past.  Throughout an adult’s life, immunizations protect against:

  • Seasonal influenza (flu)
  • Hepatitis B infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Shingles
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)

Other vaccinations adults may require include those that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause certain cancers, Hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella.

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“As adults, we must continue to maintain our own health because our families and loved ones depend on us to care for them and to teach them how to care for themselves,” says Dr. Yalavarthi.  “Immunizations are an important step in preventing illness and staying healthy.”

Which Vaccinations do I need?

Find out Monday, Sept. 30.  Dr. Join Dr. Ramaraja Yalavarthi, internal medicine and geriatrics physician, for a discussion on the risk associated with attracting flu, pneumonia, shingles, Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough as an adult; how you can protect yourself with and without immunization; and where you can go to get vaccinated. Each attendee will receive an adult immunization schedule.  This free program will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox.  Complimentary valet parking available. Light refreshments will be served. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org or by calling 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Ramaraja Yalavarthi, M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He participated in a psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University in New York and also an internal medicine residency at Louis Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Chicago Medical Society and two terms as President of the South Cook County Branch. In addition, he has served as a delegate for the American Medical Association and Illinois State Medical Society and also on the Board of Trustees for the India Medical Association of Illinois. With 40 years of medical experience, Dr. Yalavarthi is currently a member of the Silver Cross Medical Staff. His office is located with Primary Care Professionals, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd, Suite 370, New Lenox. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 300-1450.

 

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years and as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 3,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 289-bed acute care hospital and 9 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Silver Cross opened a state-of-the-art replacement hospital on February 26, 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).


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