Immunizations Specialist

What are immunizations?

Immunizations protect you from certain contagious diseases. They teach your immune system to find and destroy harmful invaders like viruses, fungi, and bacteria. No immunization is 100% effective, but it’s still important to get vaccinated. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community at large.

How do immunizations work?

Immunizations teach your body to recognize disease vectors like viruses and bacteria. When a vaccine enters your body, it teaches your immune system to create antibodies ––  proteins that protect you from pathogens. The more antibodies you have, the less likely you will experience potentially serious side effects from a disease.

To encourage the production of antibodies, immunizations expose you to a harmless form of a disease, like a weakened version of the pathogen or a dead or inactivated form of the pathogen.

What are some of the most common immunizations?

At Generations Family Practice, the team offers immunizations to people of all ages, including:

• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria
• Seasonal flu (influenza)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Whooping cough
• Tetanus
• Shingles
• Polio
• Rotavirus

Generations Family Practice also administers the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. 

How often do I need immunizations?

The frequency at which you need immunizations depends on several factors, including your age and medical history. Even so, the team at Generations Family Practice recommends people receive their first round of vaccines shortly after birth. That’s because infants' immune systems are much more susceptible to contagion. Immunizations provide an added layer of protection.

Are immunizations safe?

Yes. Immunizations are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before they’re released to the general public, vaccines undergo extensive testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. 

Though immunizations can present mild side effects, it’s much riskier to go without them. If you don’t get vaccinated, you’re more likely to experience severe complications, like hospitalization or premature death.

Do immunizations present any side effects?

After getting an immunization, you might experience mild side effects like bruising, swelling, or sensitivity at the injection site. To reduce any discomfort, the team at Generations Family Practice recommends drinking plenty of water, resting, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

If it’s time to update your immunizations, make an appointment at Generations Family Practice by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling feature today.