How do vaccinations protect my health?
Vaccinations give you immunity against contagious diseases. Your provider at Mmereole Health injects a very small amount of the bacteria or virus that causes a disease. You don’t get enough of the germ to get sick, but it’s enough to teach your immune system to identify the germ.
If you’re exposed to the same bacteria or virus in the future, your immune system immediately activates cells that neutralize and eliminate the microorganism. As a result, you don’t get sick.
Getting your recommended immunizations is important because contagious diseases haven’t disappeared. They’re just kept tightly controlled and don’t spread, as long as 90-95% of people in the community are fully vaccinated.
In other countries around the world, you may be exposed to contagious diseases that the United States has eradicated thanks to immunizations. That’s why it’s important to get region-specific vaccinations before you travel out of the country.
What vaccinations do children need?
Children and teens follow a specific immunization schedule that ensures protection from highly contagious diseases such as:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Chickenpox
- Whooping cough
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Pneumonia
- Diphtheria
- Blood infections
- Ear infections
- Bacterial meningitis
Children receive vaccinations at virtually every well-child visit during their first 18 months. They receive multiple small doses of each vaccine, so they slowly build immunity.
It’s especially important for young children to be vaccinated because their immune systems are too immature to fight off invaders.
What vaccinations do adults need?
Vaccinations aren’t just for children. Adults often need vaccinations because:
- They need protection from different diseases
- The immunity from their childhood vaccination wore off
- The vaccine formula has changed since childhood
- New vaccines have been developed
After reviewing your immunization history, your provider at Mmereole Health can determine which vaccines you may need based on your age and general health. Adults may need shots to protect against:
- Seasonal flu
- Shingles
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal disease
- Chickenpox
Adults may need other standard immunizations, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine if they didn’t get the shots when they were children.
If you need routine or travel vaccinations, call Mmereole Health or schedule an appointment online.
