Vaccinations Specialist

Why are vaccinations important?

Vaccinations save lives. In 1952, the United States experienced a surge of polio outbreaks. Around 60,000 children were infected, leading to over 3,000 deaths and 21,000 cases of paralysis. 

When the polio vaccine was finally released in 1955, incidents of polio began to decrease, and by 1979, the disease was eliminated from the country. 

Although diseases like polio have more or less disappeared from the US, other conditions are still present, as evidenced by the recent measles outbreaks. 

In addition to protecting your family, vaccinations also protect your community. Unfortunately, some people can’t have vaccinations for health reasons. Their only protection is that the other people in their community have had their vaccinations and prevent the spread of diseases.  

What vaccinations should my child have?

Dr. Revoredo provides customized advice on the immunizations that your child needs. In general, most kids receive vaccinations for:

• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Hepatitis A and B
• Hib
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Meningococcal diseases
• Pneumococcal diseases
• Polio
• Rotavirus 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Your children should also have annual flu vaccinations. The flu virus changes quickly, so a new vaccine is needed each year to protect you from the current strain of the illness.

What vaccinations do adults need?

As an adult, you should have certain booster shots. For example, you need a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years. 

Additionally, if you’re under the age of 26, talk to Dr. Revoredo about the HPV vaccination. If you’re over 50, you should get vaccines for shingles and pneumococcal vaccines.

You should also have an annual flu shot, especially if you work with the general public or use public transportation and are exposed to many people throughout your day. 

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccines introduce a tiny, diluted amount of a virus or bacteria to your body. It isn’t enough to make you sick, but it will trigger your immune system into creating and releasing the antibodies needed to fight off the disease. 

The antibodies stay in your system, and if you happen to be exposed to those germs again, your body is equipped to fight it off before it has a chance to make you feel sick.

If you or anyone in your family needs a vaccination, call Elite Premier Medical Care, or make an appointment online today.