In this modern age, vaccines represent a significant scientific breakthrough for improving overall health and lifestyle. A vaccine is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the preparation for stimulating your body’s response to diseases.
Vaccines protect you and your family by creating the antibodies needed to fight against a variety of preventable diseases and serious illnesses. Learn more below about immunization and how it benefits your family and community’s health.
Vaccinations For Children
Taking initiative with your children’s health includes keeping up with their immunization schedule. The goal of childhood vaccines is to provide your child with early protection before exposure to dangerous diseases. Childhood immunization plans also help prevent your child from developing medical complications.
Keeping up with your child’s immunization plan is their best protection from diseases. As their immune systems develop, most infants begin a regular immunization plan to reduce their risk of contracting certain diseases and prevent the spread of illness to others. Their immunization plan is timed exactly to increase their protection from certain diseases as safely as possible.
It’s important to follow your child’s immunization plan according to their pediatrician’s recommendation. Skipping a vaccine can leave your child at risk of getting sick and spreading illness to more vulnerable people in the community. Vaccines provide safe and effective long-term protection that is vital in keeping your child healthy.
Childhood vaccines help protect kids from serious diseases such as:
- Hepatitis B – a viral infection that infects the liver and causes inflammation.
- Rotavirus – a stomach and intestine infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting in children.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) – a respiratory condition that can be life-threatening for babies.
The diseases above are just examples of diseases your child can get protection from through regular vaccination. To check out the CDC’s recommended immunization plan for children, from newborns to young adults, view their website.
If you have questions about your child’s immunization plans or the type of vaccines they are getting, your healthcare provider can answer your questions and provide ease of mind.
Vaccinations For Adults
Immunization doesn’t stop in childhood and extends to adult and senior years. Adults need to stay current on available immunizations to reduce disease contraction risk. Some vaccines require booster shots or additional vaccine shots, as their initial protection fades over time. Vaccination can also minimize the risk of developing dangerous complications from various diseases. Certain vaccines are also required for certain types of work, such as those working in healthcare or the military. Many countries also require certain vaccines before international travelers can enter their countries.
An adult immunization plan can help you plan accordingly with your healthcare provider to make getting your vaccines an easy and stress-free process.
For seniors, vaccination can help build up weakened immune systems. Adults ages 65 and older should receive vaccines such as:
- Covid-19 vaccine
- Influenza vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
However, existing medical conditions, especially for seniors, may restrict some immunization plans. Ask your healthcare provider for more specific guidelines on whether you are eligible for a certain vaccine based on your age and medical history.
Safety Concerns and Effectiveness of Vaccines
Vaccines are generally safe and effective. There are many safeguards in place to make sure every vaccine is generally safe. Before most vaccines become available to the public, they undergo rigorous clinical trials and safety studies. As most vaccines are updated and developed, the CDC checks and studies each before recommending it to the general public.
You may experience mild side effects, if any, from taking a vaccine. Most vaccine side effects are not dangerous, including those experienced by children. These include soreness in the injection area, fever, body aches, and fatigue. These side effects will most likely go away on their own after a few days.
Caregivers and healthcare providers keep children under supervision after giving a vaccine to ensure they do not have complications after vaccination. Serious complications or side effects from vaccines are extremely rare.
Family Doctor in West Orange, NJ
Prevention is always better than cure. Rather than risk getting sick, getting a vaccine from your family doctor is a cheaper and safer way to protect yourself and your family.
The Hudson MD Group can help keep you and your family on track with your immunization schedules. Our primary healthcare services can be part of your family’s strategy to improve your overall health. We offer a variety of medical services, such as early diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions and preventive measures, including vaccines. Formed in 2019, our patient-focused and compassionate practice has been providing quality healthcare services to residents of all ages in New Jersey.
Getting your family vaccinated doesn’t have to be complicated. For more information about our immunization plans, which encompass childhood and adult vaccines, our friendly staff can be reached at (973) 705-4914. You may also check out our website for our clinic’s location.
We look forward to serving you!
