Vaccinations

How do vaccinations work?

A vaccine increases your natural immunity against a specific disease. Plenty of vaccines are available today to protect you and your family from various viral and bacterial illnesses. If you get infected after being vaccinated, the symptoms are either nonexistent or extremely mild compared with how they would be without immunization. 

Most vaccines contain either dead or inactive versions of a specific viral or bacterial pathogen. Some contain only specific proteins from the pathogen. By introducing these to your body via vaccination, your immune system develops a familiarity with the pathogen. It can later recognize it and protect you from the illness by developing antibodies. 

Which vaccinations are available for me and my family?

Medical Arts Associates P.S. helps you and your family members remain current with all the vaccinations you need to stay healthy any time of year. Many modern vaccines offer immunization for a lifetime, while others require boosters or additional doses. 

Speak with your Medical Arts Associates providers about the vaccines that are right for you!

You can also get the annual influenza vaccine, which immunizes you against the flu. This one changes from year to year based on the strains of influenza virus projected to be prevalent during flu season. Sometime in the fall is the best time to get this vaccine, which is right before flu season starts. 

Is vaccination safe?

You’ve probably seen some debate, online or elsewhere, on the safety of vaccines. All vaccines available to the public have been through extensive testing and research before being approved for public use. These tests evaluate how well a vaccine works, the appropriate dose, the immune system’s reaction, and how it performs in various age groups. 

While you might get a mild illness right after getting a vaccine, vaccines prevent many more illnesses than they cause. You’re far more likely to have a negative health outcome if you get a given illness without being vaccinated against it than if you’re vaccinated. 

It’s also worth noting that immunization doesn’t just protect you as an individual. It protects your community. Some people cannot get vaccinated because of health issues. When enough of their community is immunized, they are also protected. 

Call Medical Arts Associates P.S. or request an appointment online today to update your vaccines.