Vaccinations help bolster your immune system so you can avoid contagious illnesses, such as the flu and COVID-19. Although a vaccine may not work 100% of the time, staying current on your immunizations reduces your risk of severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death. At AIH Medical and Psychiatric Services in Waldorf, Maryland, Deborah Koroma, FNP-C, and the team provide vaccinations to teens and adults. Call AIH Medical and Psychiatric Services to schedule a vaccination appointment, or book your visit online today.
The words vaccinations and immunizations are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same:
Vaccinations, or vaccines, help you build immunity to a specific bacteria or virus. Specifically, they train your immune system to identify harmful microorganisms and respond to them if they enter your body.
Immunization refers to the process of building immunity. It’s what happens after you receive a vaccine. Once you get a jab, your body creates antibodies –– proteins that fight infection. These antibodies act as a first line of defense if you’re exposed to a specific contagion in the future.
The vaccinations you need depend on various things, including your age, health history, and lifestyle. The AIH Medical and Psychiatric Services team encourages teens and adults to get the following vaccines:
If you’re 50 or older, you might also benefit from the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.
After a review of your medical records, a discussion of your lifestyle, and a physical exam, the team makes personalized vaccine recommendations.
Vaccinations are safe and present few risks, but it’s normal to experience mild side effects in the first 24-48 hours after administration.
For example, you might develop a fever and chills or have redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms are normal and nothing to worry about. If they last longer than a few days, contact the AIH Medical and Psychiatric Services team.
Vaccinations support your immune system and significantly reduce the risk of contagious illness, but they aren’t 100% effective. It’s possible to get sick, even if you stay current on your vaccinations. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth getting vaccinated, but it’s something to be aware of.
Regulatory authorities, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), test all vaccines before releasing them to the general public. This testing and review increases efficacy and reduces the risk of side effects.
Call AIH Medical and Psychiatric Services to schedule vaccinations for yourself or your teen, or book an appointment online today.