What is immunization?
The terms immunization and vaccines are often interchangeably used. Vaccines are carefully formulated injections that prompt your body to develop a natural immunity to a specific germ. Immunization is the process of getting the vaccines you need to stay healthy.
When someone says they are scheduling an appointment for immunizations, that means they are coming in for one or more vaccines.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines act as a type of training run for your natural immune system. When your body recognizes a potentially dangerous germ or antigen, it launches an immediate response. Your body creates antibodies to bind to that specific antigen, rendering it harmless.
Your body creates more antibodies than it needs, and the leftovers remain in your system for the rest of your life. If you ever encounter that particular antigen in the future, your immune system is armed and ready to fight off an infection.
Vaccines introduce a dead or weakened version of an antigen into your system. The injection contains enough of the germ to prompt your natural immune response, but not enough to actually make you sick.
As you receive more vaccines, you develop a strong immune system that is ready to respond to a wide range of diseases.
Why shouldn’t I let my immune system develop naturally?
Your immune system is impressive, and capable of developing a defense against many infections on its own, even without vaccines. The problem lies in the fact that some diseases are so powerful that they can overwhelm your system before your body has a chance to develop immunity.
That’s why vaccines are so important, and administration most often occurs in the first few years of life, well before a child has a chance to encounter these germs on their own.
What kinds of immunizations are available?
Physicians Medical Urgent Care offers numerous immunizations. Some examples include:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (in one shot)
- Pneumococcal
- Varicella
- Influenza A and B
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (in one shot)
- Hepatitis B
The These are just some of the immunizations available through the practice. If you are planning to travel abroad, you may need additional vaccines to address health concerns in the area you’re visiting. Your doctor at Physicians Medical Urgent Care can help you discover what vaccine or medication you need for your travel plans.
If your child is entering school, they may need specific school immunizations. The practice also offers tuberculosis testing.
If you have questions or concerns about immunizations or would like a professional review of your shot records, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
