Immunizations

You may not like the look of the needle or the resulting soreness associated with immunization shots, but the vaccines protect you from contagious diseases that can cause symptoms worse than your fleeting discomfort. Tania Ritchie, NP, and the experienced team at Excellent Ultimate Medical Center in Belle Glade, Florida, provide immunizations for adults and adolescents for protection against these diseases. To schedule an evaluation to update your immunizations, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What are immunizations?

Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, are injections that protect you from disease. The injection, or vaccine, contains a weakened or inactivated germ. 

When injected into your body, the vaccine stimulates your immune system to create antibodies against the germ, making you immune to the disease. Then, if you come in contact with the germ, your body is protected, and you won’t get sick.

Before vaccines, the only way to develop immunity to a contagious disease was to get sick and survive the illness.

Are immunizations safe?

Yes, immunizations are safe. Many people have misconceptions about the safety of vaccines and fear they may lead to chronic illness.

However, before any vaccine is offered to the public, it undergoes years of testing to ensure safety. Additionally, each batch of vaccine is tested for quality and safety before distribution. 

Do immunizations cause side effects?

You may experience some side effects after receiving your immunization shot. The most common side effect is soreness at the site of your injection. However, you may also experience:

• Fatigue
• Chills
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Though you may find these side effects uncomfortable, they indicate your body is developing immunity against the germ. 

How do I know what type of immunizations I need?

Your provider at Excellent Ultimate Medical Center determines the type of immunizations you need. The practice offers the required school immunizations for adolescents, which may include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (DTaP) booster, and hepatitis B.

The experts at Excellent Ultimate Medical Center also provide immunizations for adults, including tetanus, the flu vaccine, Covid-19, and Pneumovax. The team also offers the flu vaccine for adolescents. 

How often do I need to get immunizations?

Unfortunately, your childhood vaccinations may not protect you against disease for life, and you require immunization booster shots to restore immunity. Your provider at Excellent Ultimate Medical Center tracks your immunization records and provides updates based on your age. In general, adults need a tetanus shot every 10 years and the flu shot annually. 

Pneumovax is a vaccine that protects against pneumonia and is recommended for all adults 65 and older and adults between 19 and 64 with certain health conditions. The vaccination includes two shots given at two separate office visits. 

To schedule your immunizations and protect yourself from getting sick, call Excellent Ultimate Medical Center or request an appointment using the online booking feature today.