August is National Immunization month, and what better time than the present to talk about prevention and vaccinations. Receiving vaccinations is critical to ensuring your good health and the health of those around you. After all, if it weren’t for vaccines, some of the deadliest diseases would have taken out much of the U.S. and global populations. Thanks to modern science, we can stop the spread of disease and keep everyone safe!

August is a great time to get up to date on all your preventive care, including vaccinations. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If you’re not sure where to start, here are some steps you can take to get the ball rolling.

Get your annual physical

Start with a visit to your primary care doctor for an annual physical. August is a great time to go, before flu season hits this fall and winter. Your primary care doctor can give you a full checkup, run blood tests and help spot any potential health risks early so you can avoid health issues down the road. And for those covered by a Transocean medical plan, Transocean covers your annual physical 100%, so it’s a win, win!

Get a flu shot

We’re moving into September soon and that’s a great time to get a flu shot, before we head into winter months when influenza infection is at its height. If you’ve ever had the flu, it’s not much fun and can take you down for several weeks. It can even be deadly for people who are older or have compromised immune systems. And with the added threat of COVID 19, getting the flu vaccine is even more critical for ensuring good health throughout the fall and winter months. And don’t forget, the flu vaccine is also covered at 100% under your Transocean medical plan.

Get a COVID-19 vaccine

If you haven’t already received a COVID-19 vaccination, there is no better time to take action. The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be extremely effective, and it is saving lives every day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still on the rise, creating decreased hospital capacity in areas where vaccination rates remain low, so it’s a good idea to strongly consider getting vaccinated. Also, be on the lookout for more news on the FDA-approved booster vaccines.

Need help finding a location to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Use UnitedHealthcare’s local vaccine finder.

Get a tetanus shot

It isn’t just for kids, and you shouldn’t wait until you cut yourself or step on an old, rusty nail! The CDC recommends that all adults receive a booster dose of either Tdap or Td (a vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria) every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.  

These are just a few of the recommended preventive care and vaccinations adults should receive regularly. Other vaccinations may be recommended based on age, health conditions, job and other factors.

Note sure which vaccinations you need? Visit the CDC website and answer a few basic questions to receive a full list of recommended vaccinations.

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