Vaccinations

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations train your body’s immune system to identify and destroy potentially harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They’re administered via an injection and significantly lower the risk of certain illnesses. 

It’s important that everyone gets vaccinated. When enough people receive them, it helps achieve herd immunity. That helps protect your community and society, in general.

How do vaccinations work?

When you receive a vaccination, it causes your immune system to develop antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that identify and neutralize harmful pathogens.

All vaccines expose you to a safe version of a disease in the form of a sugar, protein, or weakened pathogen. When a vaccine enters your body, the immune system develops a response. That response defends your health in the event of an actual infection.

What are some of the most common vaccinations?

At Edinger Urgent Care, the team offers many common vaccinations, including:

• Pneumonia
• Flu
• Hepatitis B
• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Rotavirus
• Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis A
• Human papillomavirus
  
  

The team also offers COVID-19 vaccines.

What type of vaccinations do I need?

The type of vaccinations that you need depends on your age, health history, and vaccination schedule. Each type of vaccine has a timeline. Following an in-office consultation and a review of your medical records, the team can make recommendations that align with your needs.

Are vaccinations safe?

Vaccinations are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before they’re released to the general public, they undergo years of clinical research and testing. Side-effects are rare and are typically mild if they occur. 

Choosing to not receive vaccinations puts your health at risk. If you’re unvaccinated and exposed to an illness, it could result in potentially serious complications, including hospitalization or death.

Do vaccinations cause side-effects?

Most people experience no side-effects following vaccination. Even so, side-effects are a possibility. For example, you might experience swelling, bruising, or increased sensitivity at the injection site. 

Any discomfort should subside within 24 hours, but if your symptoms persist, contact the team at Edinger Urgent Care right away.

If it’s time to update your vaccinations, make an appointment at Edinger Urgent Care. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff or click the online booking tool.