What are immunizations?
Typically through injections, via nasal spray, or by mouth, your doctor gives you immunizations to provide protection from hundreds of diseases and viruses. Immunizations help your body resist disease by building up a tolerance to it.
Without immunizations, you and your family are at risk for catching illnesses that can be disabling or life-threatening. In addition, most schools and daycares require proof of immunizations before your child can attend.
How do immunizations work?
Each immunization contains a weakened or inactive strain of the virus you’re vaccinating against. It seems counterintuitive, but the minimal contents when in your bloodstream, won’t make you sick, but will instead teach your body to resist the illness when you encounter it naturally.
What immunizations are necessary?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Varicella, or chickenpox
- Influenza
- Human papillomavirus
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Diphtheria
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Pertussis
These are just some of the many vaccinations available. When you meet with Dr. Olusanya, he’ll talk to you about your health goals and concerns and develop a vaccination schedule that’s right for you.
When should I get vaccinations?
Dr. Olusanya administers most vaccinations during childhood using the CDC’s recommended schedule and your health needs as his guide. In the first few years of a child’s life, they’ll receive several rounds of vaccinations according to a designated schedule.
When you’re an adult, it’s beneficial to reevaluate your need for new immunizations or updates to current ones when you:
- Start a new job
- Travel internationally
- Begin college or boarding school
- Have an injury that requires a tetanus shot
As your family medicine doctor, Dr. Olusanya knows your health history and monitors your need for new immunizations.
How long do immunizations last?
Most vaccinations are designed to last a lifetime, but some of them require an occasional update, or what’s called a booster shot. The team at Charter Medical Center maintains your vaccination records and will let you know when and if you need an update.
To make an immunization appointment for you and your family, call the office or use the online scheduling feature.
