Vaccinations Specialist

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations are a preventive care strategy to reduce your risk for health complications contagious diseases can cause. The goal of vaccinations is to expose your body to small amounts of a virus or its parts so that your immune system can recognize it and prepare a defense.

If you’re exposed to the virus at some point, vaccinations will reduce your risk for serious health complications, including organ damage and premature death.

You receive several vaccinations in childhood and will need updates in adulthood to keep your immunity against contagious viruses strong.

What vaccinations are available?

Shah Medical Center offers adult vaccinations to protect you from a variety of contagious diseases including:

• Hepatitis
• Tetanus
• Measles
• Mumps
• Diphtheria
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

You should also receive a seasonal flu shot to protect against infections of the influenza virus, especially if you have autoimmune disorders or other conditions that weaken your immune system.

The team can administer vaccinations during your annual physical exam to ensure you’re up-to-date on current vaccines. You may also need vaccinations before you start a job or participate in sports or other organized activities.

If you plan to travel to certain countries, you may need additional vaccines to protect you from contagious diseases that are more common outside of the United States.

Are vaccinations safe?

Before they’re available to the public, health experts test the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Vaccinations don’t give you the virus. Instead, they help your body build immunity to it in the event you have exposure to the virus.

While you may experience mild side effects, such as swelling or bruising at the injections site, the risk for serious side effects from vaccines is low. Without vaccinations, you’re at greater risk for experiencing serious health complications and hospitalization if you get a contagious virus.

People with allergies who are unable to tolerate certain ingredients in a vaccine should follow the recommendations of the team at Shah Medical Center for vaccinations. They can recommend ways to protect yourself.

Before you decide not to receive vaccinations, discuss your options with the team at Shah Medical Center. The providers can help you make the most informed decisions to protect your health.

To get vaccination updates, call Shah Medical Center or book an appointment online today.