Immunizations
Immunizations, or vaccinations, protect against infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to combat specific pathogens without causing illness. We provide all pediatric and adult ACIP and CDC recommended immunizations, with access to experts for questions and concerns. Services are available through scheduled and walk-in nurse visits.
How Immunizations Work
When a vaccine is introduced into the body, it mimics an infection, prompting the immune system to respond. This response involves:
Recognition: The immune system identifies the vaccine's antigens (parts of the pathogen) as foreign.
Response: The body produces antibodies and activates immune cells to fight the perceived infection.
Memory: The immune system retains a memory of the pathogen, allowing for a quicker and stronger response if exposed to the actual disease in the future.
Types of Vaccines
There are several types of vaccines, each designed to elicit an immune response in different ways:
Live-attenuated vaccines: Contain a weakened form of the virus or bacteria. Examples include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Inactivated vaccines: Contain killed pathogens. Examples include the polio and hepatitis A vaccines.
Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines: Use specific pieces of the pathogen, such as proteins or sugars. Examples include the HPV and whooping cough vaccines.
mRNA vaccines: Use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response. Examples include some COVID-19 vaccines.
Importance of Immunizations
Immunizations are crucial for public health because they:
Prevent Disease: Protect individuals from potentially severe or fatal diseases.
Protect Communities: Widespread immunization can lead to herd immunity, reducing disease spread.
Control Outbreaks: Help contain and eliminate disease outbreaks.
Promote Health Equity: Provide protection to vulnerable populations who may not be able to receive vaccines themselves.
Common Immunizations
Some common immunizations included in routine vaccination schedules are:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Hepatitis B and A Vaccines
In conclusion, immunizations are a critical component of modern healthcare, providing protection against a wide range of infectious diseases and contributing to the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities.