Now, let’s go through the vaccines that every woman should be getting at certain stages in life. Listen to me, because these are non-negotiable. It’s not something you can just skip or put off.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

• What it protects against: HPV can cause cervical cancer, other cancers of the reproductive organs, and even throat cancer. Why would you want to put yourself at risk?

• Who should get it: This vaccine is specifically recommended for girls and young women aged 9 to 26 to provide protection against certain infections. And listen carefully, if you haven’t had it yet, even if you’re older, you should still consider getting it up to the age of 45. Don’t let this opportunity slip by.

• How it works: It prevents infection from the types of HPV that can cause cancers. I encourage you to take this advice seriously for the sake of your future well-being.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

• What it protects against: The flu is more than just an annoying illness. Certain groups, like pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, face a higher risk from preventable diseases. You don’t want to risk complications.

• Who should get it: EVERY woman, especially pregnant women, should get the flu vaccine. You must get it every year—don’t even think about skipping it!

• How it works: The flu shot helps your immune system recognize and combat the flu virus, reducing the chances of severe illness. You don’t want to see yourself suffering from the flu and being unable to function. Trust me.

Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• What it protects against: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis—these are serious diseases that can be fatal, and whooping cough is especially dangerous for newborns. Do you really want to risk that?

• Who should get it: All women should get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. And, for goodness’ sake, if you haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years, you must get one now.

• How it works: The vaccine protects both you and your baby. Don’t you want to make sure your newborn is safe from whooping cough? I can’t emphasize this enough—please get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

• What it protects against: The flu shot helps your immune system recognize and combat the flu virus, reducing the chances of severe illness. Why would you want to put your liver in jeopardy?

• Who should get it: Women who are at risk—whether you’ve had multiple sexual partners, or if you work in healthcare or any environment where exposure could happen—should definitely get this vaccine.

• How it works: It helps your body develop immunity against the hepatitis B virus, preventing future complications like chronic liver disease and cancer. This isn’t something you should ignore.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

• What it protects against: Measles, mumps, and rubella—three very contagious and dangerous diseases that can cause complications, especially if you’re pregnant.

• Who should get it: If you haven’t been vaccinated, or if you don’t have immunity to these diseases, you MUST get the MMR vaccine. Women planning pregnancy must be particularly cautious about rubella exposure, as it can lead to congenital complications.

• How it works: The MMR vaccine prevents these viruses from affecting your body. Contracting measles, mumps, or rubella during pregnancy poses significant risks, including birth defects in the developing baby. You don’t want to put yourself or your future children at risk.

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

• What it protects against: Chickenpox may seem like a mild disease, but it can cause serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, or even birth defects during pregnancy. You don’t want to get chickenpox as an adult—trust me, it’s much worse than when you were a child.

• Who should get it: If you didn’t have chickenpox as a child or you’re not vaccinated, you need to get this vaccine, especially before pregnancy.

• How it works: The varicella vaccine prevents chickenpox by boosting your immune system, so you don’t suffer from those painful blisters or face the risks that come with the disease.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

• What it protects against: Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and even death, particularly in older women and those with chronic conditions.

• Who should get it: Women aged 65 and older, and women with certain medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, should get this vaccine.
• How it works: The vaccine strengthens your immunity to prevent infections caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. This is a serious matter—don’t take it lightly.