Immunizations

One of the most significant achievements in medicine is the control of infectious diseases through immunization. In addition to preventing thousands of deaths, vaccination programs have proven to be a cost-effective means of disease prevention. A number of infectious diseases that used to regularly kill or harm infants, children, and adults have been greatly reduced or eliminated due to vaccines in the United States. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and you are still at risk if you don’t receive an appropriate vaccination.

 

There Are Ways to Prevent Disease for You and Your Loved Ones

It Is Very Safe To Get Vaccines

  • Tests and monitoring are performed on vaccines. Before a vaccine can be licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has to undergo years of testing. The CDC and FDA keep track of all licensed vaccines to ensure their safety.
  • It is not uncommon for vaccine side effects to last a few days. Side effects common to these shots include soreness, redness, or swelling.  Severe side effects are uncommon.
  • It is one of the safest ways to protect your health to get vaccinated. Depending on your health or other conditions, speak with your doctor about which vaccines are safe for you to receive.

Certain diseases can be prevented by vaccination. 

Vaccines help you develop immunity to disease by working with your body’s natural defenses. This lowers your chances of getting certain diseases and suffering from their complications. For instance:

  • You are less likely to develop liver cancer if you receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • An HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer risk.
  • Influenza vaccines lower the risk of flu-related heart attacks, diabetes complications, and chronic lung disease complications.

Appointments

Clinic visits are by appointment only. If you do not have an appointment please contact one of our offices. 

Other Resources:

Centers for Disease Control Birth – 18 Year Immunization Schedule

     https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html

 

 

 

Appointments at McDowell County Health Department

(828) 652-6811 

Appointments at Rutherford County Health Department

(828) 287-6100 option #2