What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations are injections that are specially designed to give you protection from infectious diseases. Immunization refers to the process of being vaccinated and becoming immune to a disease over time.
Vaccinations are an integral part of your preventive care. Dr. Shamala can help you determine whether you’re due for a shot.
Vaccinations use dead or weakened versions of viruses or bacteria to help prepare your body to fight off an infection without exposing you to the disease symptoms. The purpose is to stimulate your immune system to create white blood cells called lymphocytes and proteins called antibodies to fight off the foreign invaders.
Why might I need certain vaccinations?
Adult vaccinations are recommended based on several factors, including:
- Prior vaccinations
- Age
- Health
- Occupation
- Sexual activity
- Lifestyle
Dr. Shamala might suggest some vaccinations based on your travel destinations.
Which vaccinations should adults get?
Dr. Shamala provides vaccinations for children, teens, and adults. The right vaccinations for you largely depend on your age, job, health conditions, lifestyle, travel habits, and other factors. For example, adult vaccinations might include:
- Human papillomavirus
- Influenza (flu)
- Meningococcal
- Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
For your convenience, Dr. Shamala can administer many vaccinations collectively in groups.
Dr. Shamala provides effective vaccinations, such as shingles, flu, pneumonia, Gardasil®, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and meningococcus that can cause meningitis. Dr. Shamala also provides the TB skin test to check if you’re infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Which vaccination is best for me?
To help Dr. Shamala decide which vaccinations you need, you should tell her if:
- You have severe allergies, or you’ve recently had a blood transfusion
- You’ve recently had other vaccinations
- You’re currently breastfeeding
- You might be pregnant
- You have a chronic illness or you’re severely ill
- You’ve had your spleen taken out
- You’re planning to move abroad
- You work in certain jobs where you might have exposure to toxic substances
If you have a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication, you should also inform Dr. Shamala.
What benefits do vaccinations offer?
Vaccinations can reduce your risk of infectious diseases and protect you by improving and assisting your immune system.
Some vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, are recommended for most people since the flu can be life-threatening, especially for those with certain chronic illnesses and for older adults.
Vaccinations offer myriad benefits and are a great way to defend against infectious and deadly viruses. Vaccinations are safe for most people.
If you’re due for vaccinations or you’d like more helpful information, visit Dr. Shamala’s office. Click the online booking tool or call the office to schedule an appointment.
