Immunizations have helped many people avoid becoming sick with diseases that have caused significant illness, disability and death. However, many diseases are not gone and the diseases that immunizations prevent can still be found in the U.S. Being immunized continues to be important to prevent specific diseases from causing illness. The reports are out there; the college campus that has an outbreak of meningitis, the daycare reports children with pertussis, the child age classroom sends several children home with measles. Every year the influenza has one or more strains that can cause severe illness that can result in hospitalization or death.
What can a person do…make sure your immunizations are up to date!
Why continue to immunize even if no one around them is ill?
Despite efforts to stop some diseases not everyone is immunized. Not only can some disease still be found in the U.S., but with worldwide travel diseases continue to spread. All it takes is one person to expose a community who is not protected by a vaccine. Older children and adults need to be protected to not spread illness to infants that are too young to be immunized.
Can I get sick from the immunization?
You cannot get the disease from the immunization. Your body will build immunity to the disease once you get the immunization. When you have immunity you can be exposed to someone with illness from the disease and not become sick.
The most common symptom you can get when you receive immunizations are; redness at the site of the injection, soreness at the site of the injection or mild body aches, and low-grade fever. This occurs because your body’s immune system is working to build immunity against the disease.
Are immunizations safe?
Yes, immunizations are continually tested to make sure what you receive is safe. Contrary to reports, Immunizations do not cause Autism and studies have proven that immunizations do not cause this disorder. In some cases, people pass out with shots; if a person feels weak after receiving a shot they should sit for several minutes before standing to reduce this potential response. Rarely a person can have an allergic reaction or severe response to an immunization. Any possible reaction should be evaluated by a health care provider.
How do I know if I need any immunizations?
Everyone is recommended to have an influenza (flu) shot every year. Other immunizations are recommended based on your age, travel, and what you do for work. Some shots need boosters at specific time frames and others are good for life. If you do not know if you need any immunizations you should check with your health care provider.
Plan ahead to stay healthy, ask questions and know what you can do to avoid illness.
For more information about immunizations visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines
ATI Active Care is a walk-in clinic, located in Waukesha, WI, that provides immediate care for non-emergency acute conditions, physicals, health screenings, preventive health and wellness programs. For more information contact BobbieJo Paul at bobbiejopaul@activatehealthcare.com or call (262) 574-2711.