Immunizations and Vaccinations
Vaccines are medicines that help your body to fight off infections. Vaccinations (or “immunizations”) are the shots that are used to deliver vaccines to your body.
Vaccines are vitally important to keeping you healthy. Some vaccines provide life-long protection, while others need to be given over a certain timeframe. Still others, such as the flu vaccine, need to be given each year.
Children need vaccinations to protect them from disease as they grow up. Vaccinations are also required for children to be enrolled in school.
We provide immunizations in our office.
Childhood Vaccinations
On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
Our policy is that all children should receive immunizations according to the guidelines of ACIP and the CDC. Our first duty is to the child. We welcome families who are hesitant about routine vaccination and who are open to respectful discussion about vaccination beliefs at each visit. We will work with families to achieve a slow vaccination schedule if desired but require current and existing pediatric patients to be vaccinated to continue care at our office. We look forward to welcoming your family to our practice.
Adult Vaccinations
Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. You are also at risk for different diseases as an adult. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) all adults should receive:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine every year
- Td or Tdap vaccine
You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle or travel habits. Talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you.
