Moms don’t have time to be sick. Period. Not only do we have the only job that doesn’t offer any sick leave, but there’s no one to do our jobs when we’re not able to do them. Even performing at 50% when we have a cold leaves mounds of laundry, events that have to be rescheduled and kids potentially eating ice cream for dinner. So, we certainly don’t have time for the big things that can really knock us out; particularly when these things are preventable. Here are three vaccines that every mom should get.

1. The influenza vaccine. Each year, the flu kills about 36,000 people. Most of these people are children, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. However, 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications from the flu every year, which makes it something you should be concerned about even if you don’t have a compromised immune system. If you’re out in the workplace, there’s a good chance you’ll be exposed. But, even if you don’t work outside the home, if you have kids in school, you may be exposed. Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, upper respiratory issues similar to a cold, and sometimes, upset stomach and diarrhea. The flu can often knock you off your feet for a week to ten days, and you may well spread it to family members too. Each year, the influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strain for that year, and it reduces your chances of contracting the illness by 80%.

2. Tetanus – We all need tetanus shot every ten years, but many adults don’t keep this vaccine current. Busy moms who do yard work and may make repairs in their homes are subject to tetanus. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by contamination of wounds from bacteria that live in the soil. The causative bacterium Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes contaminated with bacterial spores. Infection can then occur that multiply and produce a very powerful toxin that affects the muscles.. The bacteria typically enter the body through puncture wounds, such as those caused by rusty nails, splinters, or insect bites. Tetanus results in severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms. The jaw is “locked” by muscle spasms, causing the disease to sometimes be called “lockjaw.” In severe cases, the muscles used to breathe can spasm, causing a lack of oxygen to the brain and other organs that can even lead to death. Fortunately, all this can be avoided by keeping your tetanus shot up to date.

3. H1N1 – This year, there’s a third vaccine that every mom needs. The H1N1 influenza is a powerful strain that spreads in the same way as typical influenza. And, though your regular flu vaccine may give you some protection against this strain, it’s not enough to reduce your chances of contracting the illness sufficiently. Therefore, because this flu is so dangerous, it’s wise to have both vaccines this year. The H1N1’s first major outbreak occurred in the spring of 2009, and cases have continued throughout the year, though a vaccine became available late in the year.

Moms have to stay healthy. The vaccines listed here can go a long way to keeping you healthy and going strong. And, luckily, these vaccines are easy to get. In fact, you can even get flu vaccines at many drugstores this year.

P. Zerkle writes about how to find nurse practitioner programs.